Opuntiads of the USA

Interpretive sign discussing Devils Tower

Typical view of Tower showing its trademark shape

Tower viewed from a different angle revealing a slightly curved side

Painting in Visitor's Center depicting the Indian legend of the tower's formation

View of tower from directly below

Close-up of the basalt columns

Cloud moving across face of tower

Opuntia fragilis, growing in the short grass prairie near the tower

Possible hybrid: Opuntia fragilis and O. polyacantha?

Opuntia fragilis, extremely prolific in this area

Habitat of Opuntia fragilis and Escobaria missouriensis, only visible on close inspection, but prolific

A spent flower on Escobaria missouriensis

This very small plant recently flowered

Fresh buds waiting to open in sun

O. fragilis self-propagation, difficult to avoid because of the number of plants

Opuntia polyacantha, less common in Devils Tower area

Escobaria missouriensis growing in moss

Image includes O. fragilis, O. polyacantha, and E. missouriensis showing how well hidden they are

River flowing below Devils Tower

Unexpected companions - Opuntia fragilis and Equisetum species (Horsetail)!

White-Tailed deer, both mule deer and white-tailed live at Devils Tower

Close-up of columns near the top of tower, white spots reveal bird perches

View of surrounding countryside from the base of the tower

A basalt column fallen off the tower, note the massive size