Its popularity as a decorative garden accent ensures that this cactus will continue to thrive in homes, nurseries and botanical gardens around the globe.
Luckily, the plant is in no danger of disappearing. The Rio Moctezuma Valley in Mexico is the site of an intensive conservation effort to reestablish the region’s native golden barrel cactus population, but wild plants are not found in many other areas. The widespread demand for the cactus resulted in it being dug up by the thousands, and nowadays, the golden barrel cactus is rarely found in the wild. Golden barrel cacti have been a popular addition to gardens across Europe and North America since the late 1800s. It’s spherical shape and coating of golden spines make it look somewhat like a pincushion, earning the cactus the amusing nickname of “mother-in-law’s cushion.” Landscaping and Outdoor Design SolutionsĪ Brief Overview of the Golden Barrel CactusĮchinocactus grusonii, more commonly known as the golden barrel cactus, is a popular ornamental plant due both to its hardy nature and exotic appearance.A Brief Overview of the Golden Barrel Cactus.Colville’s barrel displays dark red flowers and white, reddish or purple-tinted spines that may turn gray or pale gold as the plant matures. There is also a spineless variety: Ferocactus glaucescens forma nuda.Ĭolville’s barrel ( Ferocactus emoryi) is also known as Emory’s cactus, Sonora barrel, traveler’s friend or nail keg barrel. This variety is distinguished by blue-green stems straight, pale yellow spines and long-lasting lemon-yellow flowers. This tall cactus often leans to the south so much that mature plants may eventually tip over.īlue barrel ( Ferocactus glaucescens) is also known as glaucous barrel cactus or Texas blue barrel. Although the clusters of curved white, gray or brown, fishhook-like spines are rather dull, the reddish-orange or yellow flowers are more colorful. California barrel cactus, found in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Mexico, enjoys a much larger territory than any other variety.įishhook cactus ( Ferocactus wislizenii) is also known as Arizona barrel cactus, candy barrel cactus or Southwestern barrel cactus. Although it is widely cultivated in nurseries, golden barrel is endangered in its natural environment.Ĭalifornia barrel ( Ferocactus cylindraceus), also known as desert barrel or miner’s compass, is a tall variety that displays yellow blooms, bright yellow fruit, and closely-spaced downward-curved spines that may be yellow, deep red or off-white. Golden barrel cactus is also known as golden ball or mother-in-law cushion. Golden barrel ( Echinocactus grusonii) is an attractive bright green cactus covered with lemon-yellow flowers and golden yellow spines that lend the plant its name.
Here are some of the more common kinds of barrel cactus and their attributes: Don’t worry if your climate is too chilly barrel cacti make attractive indoor plants in cooler climates. Most barrel cactus varieties are suitable for growing in the warm environment of USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and above, although some tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. The tops of barrel cactus plants are often covered with cream- or wheat-colored hair, especially on older plants. The stout, straight or curved spines may be yellow, gray, pinkish, bright red, brown or white. Flowers are followed by elongated, bright yellow or off-white fruits that retain the dried blooms. Flowers, which appear at or near the top of the stems between May and June, may be various shades of yellow or red, depending on the species. Ferocactus Plant Infoīarrel cactus varieties share much in common. Read on and learn about a few of the most popular barrel cactus varieties. A wide range of barrel cactus varieties are found in the gravelly slopes and canyons of the Southwestern United States and much of Mexico. Fascinating and easy to care for, barrel cactus plants ( Ferocactus and Echinocactus) are quickly recognized by their barrel or cylindrical shape, prominent ribs, showy blooms and fierce spines.
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