08 May Not A Weed Wednesday – Ball Cactus
Posted at 08:00h
in Chewing Cud
Ball Cactus (Coryphantha vivipara)
Ball cactus is found in the southern often sandy areas in Special Areas.
As its name suggests, it is small (up to 7 cm tall), globe shaped, and covered in spines. In June it produces beautiful bright pink flowers. In the fall these flowers turn into cactus berries which can be carefully plucked out and eaten. The berries have a tart-sweet flavor but are difficult to collect in abundance for a use other than a field treat.
Contact a Special Areas Rangeland Agrologist for more information on optimal range health and grazing on native grasslands.
