Sensational Summer Color

The vibrantly colorful, solitary flower of a Fishhook Barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) shines in the hot summer sun in the desert American... more

by Douglas Taylor

Title

Sensational Summer Color

Artist

Douglas Taylor

Medium

Photograph - Fine Art Digital Photography

Description

The vibrantly colorful, solitary flower of a Fishhook Barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) shines in the hot summer sun in the desert American Southwest. Blooming from July through September, the flowers of this globular to cylindrical cactus range from deep maroon and red to brilliant yellow, with an infinite variety of oranges and variegations to be found. But only if you search out these brilliant beauties during the hottest part of the day. They only open in full daylight and begin to close by mid-afternoon.

The funnel shaped flowers are usually clustered close together around the crown of the cactus and are about 2 to 3 inches wide. A mature Fishhook Barrel cactus can be over 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. They are also (mistakenly) called "compass" barrel cactus because they invariably lean to the south, though the common name actually belongs to a similar Ferocactus species. The range of the Fishhook Barrel includes southern Arizona and New Mexico, southwestern Texas, and across the border in northern Mexico at elevations under 4,500 feet.

The photograph was made in Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park in the Tucson Mountains west of Tucson, Arizona.

This distinctive macro perspective finds the sunny orange and yellow colored, 2-1/2 inch wide flower highlighted against the shadow of early afternoon light. It is formatted in the classic 4:5 ratio where a bright, bold, colorful and dramatic floral image is desired for the traditional 16" x 20" style presentation up to a giant 4 foot by 5 foot print with remarkable color and astonishing clarity. It will also make a delightful jigsaw puzzle.

Uploaded

August 29th, 2023