Native American symbols are geometric portrayals of celestial bodies, natural phenomena and animal designs. The Cactus is native to arid regions of America and is a plant which is adapted to extremely dry and hot environments having the ability to conserve water. The meaning of the Cactus symbol was to signify the desert. However, the cactus plant and in particular the yellow cactus flower symbolizes warmth, protection and endurance. The cactus flower is a symbol of maternal love because it can endure and thrive in harsh conditions and therefore symbolic of a mother's unconditional love. A mother's protective qualities conveyed by the cactus flower due to its medicinal properties. The pulp and juice was used to treat numerous wounds and sickness due to digestive inflammations. 

The Cactus Symbol - Meaning
There were so many tribes of Native American Indians it is only possible to generalise the most common meaning of the Cactus symbol or pattern. Native Indian symbols are still used as Tattoos and were used for a variety of reasons and depicted on numerous objects such as tepees, totem poles, musical instruments, clothes and War Paint. Indian Tribes also used their own Colors for Symbols and designs depending on the natural resources available to make Native American paint.