Xerophyte

Central Spines

0.4 to 1.0 cm. long.

Description

Pediocactus simpsoniiSN|19699]]SN|19699]] var. minor is a controversial variety distinguished from stqandard Pediocactus simpsoniiSN|19699]]SN|19699]] by mostly solitary smaller stems and slender radial spines, but its stems tend to be much shorter (only 2-7 cm tall) and smaller in diameter than those of variety simpsonii. P. simpsonii is an exceedingly variable species. The segregation of the many forms, varieties, and subspecies on the basis of morphology, however, is difficult to support, given the continuous range of variation in stem size and flower colour over its geographic range. Some claim to be able to differentiate var. simpsonii from var. minor by size considerations, but the main way they have been distinguished is by geographical location, a poor way to tell them apart in cultivation. The var. minor is mostly restricted to far Northern New Mexico and Colorado. These populations do seem smaller and less robust overall (including in flower dimensions) than the simpsonii from Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah. But there are many doubt about that these differences are worthy of taxonomic rank.

Lateral Spines

Slender usually not interlocking.

Flowers

Flower colour is variable from white, pale pink, pink to magenta. It flowers pretty early in spring.

Stem

The var. minor is only 2-7 cm tall and 2-5 cm wide.