Ferocactus spp.
barrel cactuses
Overview
Ferocactus is a genus of about 30 species of barrel-shaped cacti in the family Cactaceae, native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The name means fierce cactus, a reference to the stout, often hooked spines that arm the ribbed stems. Plants are usually solitary, growing as a single cylinder or barrel that ranges from about 1 foot (30 cm) tall in small species to 10 feet (3 m) in the largest, the body divided into prominent vertical ribs lined with clusters of long, sometimes red or yellow spines. Funnel-shaped flowers in yellow, orange, red, or pink open in a ring near the crown in summer, followed by fleshy fruits. Plants store water in their swollen stems and tolerate intense heat, sun, and long drought, but rot in wet or poorly drained soil and grow slowly, taking many years to reach flowering size. Larger barrels often lean toward the south over time. The genus needs full sun and sharp drainage, and the hardier species tolerate light frost while most are damaged by hard freezes. The dense, hooked spines make the plants awkward to handle.
Native Range
Ferocactus is native to the arid southwestern United States and Mexico, including the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave deserts. Plants grow on rocky slopes, gravelly flats, and desert washes.Suggested Uses
Ferocactus is grown in desert and gravel gardens, rockeries, and containers as a sculptural specimen, and in frost-free regions as a long-lived landscape cactus. The spined barrels also serve as barrier plantings in hot, dry sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 10'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Ferocactus flowers in summer, typically June to August, once plants reach a mature size that can take many years. A ring of funnel-shaped flowers opens near the crown over several weeks. Fleshy fruits follow and may persist on the plant.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, orange, red, or pinkFoliage Description
Green stem; no leavesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ferocactus grows in full sun and very sharply drained, gritty or sandy soil, the kind of lean desert ground it comes from. Plants tolerate extreme heat, drought, and strong sun but rot quickly in wet, heavy, or poorly drained soil, especially in cool weather. Watering is moderate during the warm growing season and withheld in winter, when the plants rest and stay dry. Container plants suit a free-draining cactus mix and a deep pot for the taproot. The hardier species withstand light frost, while most are damaged below the high 20s Fahrenheit. Growth is slow, and little feeding or routine care is needed.Pruning
Ferocactus needs no pruning. Damaged, rotted, or sunburned tissue is the only growth removed, cut back to firm green stem with a clean blade. Offsets, where a species forms them, can be detached to propagate.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons