The image above shows blossoms on an Englemann's hedgehog cactus in the Superstition Mountains of southern Arizona. Englemann's are one of the most common hedgehog cacti to be found in the southwestern deserts. The photograph shown here was taken in late March, but depending on location, these cacti can bloom anytime between March and June. Spring bloom in the American desert is a fantastic sight. Unfortunately much of the desert is itself imperiled by rampant development and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. Please do all you can to preserve the fragile desert environment.