Scientific Name
Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelm.) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Arizona Barrel Cactus, Candy Barrel Cactus, Compass Barrel, Fishhook Barrel Cactus, Fishhook Cactus, Southwestern Barrel Cactus
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus wislizeni
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ferocactus
Description
Ferocactus wislizeni is a cactus with a green, depressed-spheric to ovoid-cylindric, usually solitary stem with 15 to 28 ribs and clusters of spines along the ribs. It can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) tall and 3.3 feet (1 m) in diameter, usually leaning southward in adulthood. Each areole bears 1 to 4 rigid central spines, one usually strongly hooked and 10 to 20 often white, bristle-like radial spines. The central and larger radial spines are dull pink, gray, or tan. The central spines can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, while the radial spines can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm).
The flowers are orange, red, or yellow with orange to red mid stripes or wholly yellow, appearing in a circle at the top of the stem in summer. They measure up to 3.4 inches (8.5 cm) long and up to 2.4 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are green when unripe, yellow after the flower dries up, and persist long after the bloom is gone, sometimes for more than a year.
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 typical 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.
Origin
Ferocactus wislizeni is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
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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