Mountain Ball Cactus

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Pediocactus simpsonii

Mountain Ball Cactus, a reference photo
Photo: Abby Benson https://www.inaturalist.org/people/abbybenson · CC0 (licence)

Pediocactus simpsonii, known by the common names mountain cactus, snowball cactus, and mountain ball cactus, is a relatively common cactus that has adapted to survive in cold and dry environments in high elevation areas of the western United States. It can be found at higher elevations than any other cactus in North America. While not a landscape dominating plant, it is a relatively common species and the most common member of the genus Pediocactus. Because of its beauty and adaptation to cold environments it is sometimes grown by gardeners in areas that have few other choices due to the limited number of cactuses with cold adaptations.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Mountain Ball Cactus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Caryophyllales
Family
Cactaceae
Species
Pediocactus simpsonii

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