Tonight is bloom night at Tohono Chul Park for the night-blooming cereus cactus, known as the "Queen of the Night."
The northwest-side park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight for the once-a-year mass bloom.
The "Queen of the Night" cactus, Peniocereus greggii, looks like a dry stick most of the year, but once a year it slowly opens at dusk to a palm-sized flower, which wilts within a few hours of sunrise. About 2,000 people visit the park during its annual bloom nights, according to Tohono Chul.
Admission is $5 for the general public, children 12 and younger get in free. Park members are also admitted for free.
Some park tips to experience the night blooms:
Bring a flashlight and wear closed-toe walking shoes. Members should bring their membership cards for easy admittance.
