Washita Battlefield National Historic Site - Cacti / Desert Succulents

Oklahoma is a surprisingly diverse state ecologically, and is not just a monotonous grassland as is sometimes believed. One of the more unique plant families found here that is more commonly associated with the desert southwest is the Cactus. While not abundant by any means, there are at least two species found on the battle site. These are the seemingly ubiquitous prickly pear, and the less common but no less striking pin cushion cactus. They contribute a welcome bit of botanical diversity to the ecological crossroads that is the mixed-grass prairie.