Scientific Name
Ferocactus cylindraceus (Engelm.) Orcutt
Common Name(s)
California Barrel Cactus, Cliff Barrel Cactus, Compass Barrel Cactus, Compass Cactus, Desert Barrel Cactus, Golden-Spine Barrel Cactus, Spiny Barrel Cactus
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus acanthodes, Echinocactus viridescens var. cylindraceus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ferocactus
Origin
Ferocactus cylindraceus is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Description
Ferocactus cylindraceus is a cactus with an erect or leaning, spherical to columnar, usually solitary stem with 18 to 31 ribs lined with areoles that bear clusters of long spines. The stem can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall and 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 12 to 32 whitish, yellow, pink, dull red, or brown spines, one slightly to moderately hooked. The radial spines are larger than the central spines.
The flowers are maroon outside and bright yellow inside, with red or yellow centers on the side that faces the sun. They appear in spring and early summer, reaching up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in length and diameter. The fleshy fruits are yellow or yellowish green, covered with scales, and measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 1 inch (2,5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Choose a location that receives direct sun during all or most of the day. Plant your Barrel Cactus in early spring before new roots begin to form. The roots may appear dry, which is typical before new growth begins. Dig a hole deep enough for the plant's roots and amend it as needed to provide fast-draining soil. A good soil mixture includes 10 percent native soil, 45 percent washed sand or pumice, and 45 percent compost.
Water the cactus at the planting time to anchor it into the soil. Water again only if the weather in your area is unseasonably dry and if normal spring or winter rainfall doesn't occur. Ferocactus need a dormant period with dry soil during the winter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Ferocactus.
Links
- Back to genus Ferocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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