Sep 9, 2025—We arrived at the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park as the sun was blazing low behind the cutest congregation of cactus I’ve ever seen. It was like, are we in the plush toy department? Each cactus, from large to small, was teddy-bear shaped, and the sun glowing through their furry-looking spines made them look downright warm and fuzzy. And humanoid! That same refraction of light wrapped them in full-body auras. On top of all that, they seemed to be smiling while they offered their yellow green flowers.
Teddy Bear Cactus
You think I’m exaggerating, but in fact, the cholla is nicknamed teddy bear cactus. And they are darn cute! Swooning is fine, but cuddling is not recommended. The spines are not only densely packed like stiff fur, they are wicked sharp and hooked, and difficult to extract. Another nickname they have is the jumping cactus, as they can appear to “jump” onto anything that brushes past—skin, cloth, fur—their limbs breaking off in segments as they “make the leap”.
Harsh Beauty
The garden’s lesson is clear: beauty commands respect. (Fuzzy wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy wuz he, is another good one.) The cholla cactus thrives where most plants surrender—rocky ground, dry washes, relentless heat. Like Joshua trees, the cholla defies the odds with outrageous adaptation. In the blaze of afternoon, the teddy bears glowed like lanterns across the desert floor. The paradox of this place emerges: harshness gives rise to light, and survival shapes beauty.
Symbolism of the Cholla Cactus
For Indigenous peoples of the Southwest, the cholla was sustenance for both body and spirit. Its buds, roasted, provided food. Its spines and personality engendered deep respect. Spiritually, the cholla symbolizes the resilience, protection, and boundaries that keep life intact. The “jumping” aspect of the plant represents liberation from old patterns, and the courage to move forward.
Lessons from the Garden
Walking the narrow trails, I was awed. The cholla thrives because of its defenses. Protected by them, it can be itself, which is actually a soft succulent creature. In the late afternoon sun, the garden feels like a hive of resilience. Spines gleam like stained glass, shadows deepen, colors enliven. In this sacred place, the desert teaches like only the desert can.
Light, Art, and Memory
Science shows that art lights up the brain’s pathways of joy, sparking memory and both calming and stimulating the mind. In this petite painting, I strived to capture the power of the sun and the beautiful glow of this resilient cactus.
Cactus Garden, 14 x 11 inches, 2024, oil on canvas by Lauren Forcella
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