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Pipestone National MonumentOld Stone Face rock formation
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Pipestone National Monument
Cacti / Desert Succulents
Pricly Pear Cactus
NPS, G. Wagner
Prickly Pear Cactus
The Pipestone National Monument's Sioux quartzite prairie supports two species of cacti. The rocky outcrops and shallow soil along the cliffline areas provide the Plains Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia macrorhiza) with a niche with little competition for resources. The Prickly Pear cactus blooms for a short time in early July, displaying beautiful and fragile looking yellow flowers.  


Family
 Common Name      Scientific Name 
Cactaceae
Prickly Pear Opuntia macrorhiza
Brittle Prickly Pear Opuntia fragilis
 
Early explorers carved their initials on this quartzite rock  

Did You Know?
Joseph Nicollet and John C. Fremont, famous 19th century explorers, visited Pipestone National Monument in 1838 and carved their initials into the Sioux Quartzite cliff.

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Last Updated: July 28, 2006 at 11:45 EST