I find that spring is in full bloom here in the desert, in late March. It has been about 95°F each of the four days I've been in the desert. In the mountains next week I will find a different story.   This is a deceptive cactus. It looks harmless, but it does have lots of very small thorns which will make you regret any carelessness you might display. It is a very common plant in the desert, where most critters will gladly eat anything containing moisture. So realize those tiny spines are effective. The large gorgeous flowers will tempt you, though.   Opuntia basilaris  (Catctus family)