The plants line parts of the paths in our gardens, but in the spring, I appreciate the look of the newly emerging leaves. These are growing through a patch of moss.
Joshua Tree National Park, California These are in the "Cholla Garden" area of the park. They are very attractive and sculptural plants, especially when backlit like this. They are also called "jumping Cholla," because of the way their spines jump off the plant when you brush it. Which you definitely do not want to do.
