Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Spring Wildflowers

Craig Bihrle photo: Ball cactus
Craig Bihrle Ball cactus
(Coryphantha vivipara)
Distribution: statewide, except extreme east and northeast
Habitat: dry, sandy, rocky prairie, road ditches, and south facing slopes
Flowers: purple in color, fairly large and has many petals
Height: 1-2 inches
Blooms: late May to July
Family name: Cactus (Cactaceae)
Other names: Purple pincushion cactus, Nipple cactus
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Bees are attracted to pollen-laden blossoms when in bloom.

Previous Flower -- Western wallflower
Return to Spring Wildflowers
Next Flower -- Prairie smoke