Barrel Cactus

barrel cactus:

COMMON NAME: Barrel Cactus

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ferrocactus cylindraceus

DESCRIPTION:

With a single heavy body, a barrel cactus is easy to recognize; 3 -5 feet is typical height. Spines are two inches long and often curved at the end. Yellow to orange flowers are followed by yellow fruits that grow in a ring around its crown. Ribs swell to store water through the dry summer. Fruits provide food for wildlife.

Barrel cactus is native among rocky slopes in the Sonora and Mojave deserts.

barrel cactus spines:

 

 

 

 

 

Cultivation: Barrel cactus is slow growing. It needs loose soil with good drainage; always give it full sun. A young plant will establish a root system more quickly if waters (2x/ month). Plant it away from sitting areas or walkways.

 

 


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