hedgehog cactus

noun

1. any of various rounded, usually spiny cacti of the genus Echinocereus, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, having bell-shaped flowers that close at night.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hedgehog cactus¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

The plant is also known as the snowball cactus, hedgehog cactus or Columbia Plateau cactus.

From Seattle Times

Some environmentalists also oppose the project, arguing that it would eventually reduce habitat for endangered species, including the hedgehog cactus and narrow-headed garter snake.

From New York Times

The general area is also home to diverse plants and animals, including the endangered hedgehog cactus.

From National Geographic

It would also lower the water table and potentially hurt a nearby population of endangered Arizona hedgehog cactus and other species, including the yellow-billed cuckoo and the endangered gila chub, a small, colorful fish.

From National Geographic

They’re not endangered like other southern Arizona cactuses, such as the Acuña and hedgehog cactus, though federal courts have allowed the Trump administration to waive environmental laws protecting even those species in the wall’s path.

From Los Angeles Times