Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus is by far one of the most common hedgehog cactus in the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Mojave Deserts. Hedgehog Cactus has been used for food by southwestern United States indigenous peoples. The 4-12 in., cylindrical, ribbed stems of saints cactus or hedgehog cactus may occur singly or in small clusters. Curved spines may be red, yellow, white or gray. Large, tubular flowers, which open during the day and bloom for several consecutive days, range from bright magenta to pale pink. A fleshy, spiny, red fruit follows.