State Cactus Passes Senate
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. The Columbia Plateau cactus could be on its way to becoming Washington’s official state cactus.
The state Senate voted to honor the hardy plant, known for its pink-to-magenta blooms and ability to thrive in Central Washington’s extremes.
Senator Judy Warnick is the bill’s sponsor …
WARNICK … “It only blooms a few weeks of the year and when it does bloom it brings pollinators and other interested little bugs, I guess is what you call them, but primarily the honey bees.”
The Moses Lake Republican says the idea came from some Ellensburg-area elementary school students who researched and pitched the proposal …
WARNICK … “They testified and they actually brought interest to other people all over the state. I’ve received letters and support from several biologists and people interested in plants.”
The Columbia Plateau cactus is the only “ball” cactus native to Washington state, and is also known as Basalt cactus, Snowball cactus, and Hedgehog cactus.
It serves as a vital early-season pollinator attractor for bees.
Passed this week, Senate Bill 5325 aims to increase awareness of this native species and encourage responsible viewing.
The measure now heads to the House.
