Cholla Flower Buds

Cylindropuntia spp.

Illustration: Cholla (Cylindropuntia spp.) flower buds

Identification: Branching cactus with cylindrical jointed segments densely armed with spines; unopened flower buds in spring. (Jumping cholla segments detach at a touch — admire from distance.)

Dangerous look-alikes: All cholla buds edible — harvest with long tongs; never handle with bare hands.

Edible parts: Unopened flower buds.

Season and habitat: Spring. Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.

Preparation: Pick buds with tongs, knock spines off in a paper bag with gravel, then boil or roast — taste like asparagus-artichoke. A traditional Tohono O'odham harvest food.