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Committee hears bill to name Pediocactus nigraspinous the Washington state cactus; supporters cite conservation and education
Summary
Senate Bill 5,325 would designate Pediocactus nigraspinous (commonly called basalt or hedgehog cactus) as the state cactus; supporters including schoolchildren, growers and conservation groups said the designation would raise awareness of fragile shrub‑steppe habitat and promote protection.
Senate Bill 5,325 would designate Pediocactus nigraspinous — commonly called basalt cactus, hedgehog cactus or Columbia Plateau cactus — as Washington's official state cactus, witnesses told the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee.
Backers said the plant is native to parts of Eastern Washington and nearby states, has distinctive pink flowers, and grows in fragile shrub‑steppe and basalt-derived soils; they said a formal designation would increase public awareness and support conservation and rescue programs.
Connor Schiff, committee staff, described the species and its range in his staff report: the cactus "grows in lowland and sage brush deserts throughout Eastern Oregon, West Central Idaho, and…
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