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Ferocactus cylindraceus

California barrel cactus

Cactaceae

Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of southwestern North America

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Ferocactus cylindraceus is a cylindrical barrel cactus in the Cactaceae growing 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in diameter, with the oldest plants reaching about 10 feet (3 m). The stem is ribbed, with 18-27 vertical ribs lined by clusters of stiff spines that range from yellow to red and include curved central spines up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. Funnel-shaped flowers, yellow to orange and about 2 inches (5 cm) across, open in a ring near the crown in spring and early summer, followed by yellow fruit. Growth is slow, and plants may take 10-15 years to reach flowering size. The species stores water in its stem and survives long dry periods, but rots quickly in poorly drained or overwatered soil. Mature stems often lean toward the south, a habit that has earned it the name compass barrel. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, it tolerates intense heat and brief light frost but is damaged by hard freezes. Native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, Ferocactus cylindraceus is grown in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and containers.

Native Range

Ferocactus cylindraceus is native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Baja California. It grows on rocky slopes, gravelly flats, and desert washes.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen in rock gardens, desert and gravel plantings, and xeriscapes, and as a container plant in regions too cold for year-round outdoor culture. Spacing of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) gives room for the mature girth.

How to Identify

Identify Ferocactus cylindraceus by its solitary cylindrical stem with many vertical ribs and dense clusters of stiff spines in yellow to red, including stout curved central spines. Yellow to orange funnel-shaped flowers ring the crown in spring and early summer. Older stems often lean toward the south, separating it from the more upright Ferocactus wislizeni, which has flatter, hooked central spines.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring Summer

Funnel-shaped yellow to orange flowers open near the top of the stem in spring and early summer, mainly April to June, often after rainfall. The flowers form a ring around the crown and each lasts a few days. Yellow, scaly fruit follows and can persist for months.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to orange

Foliage Description

green stem with yellow to red spines

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 8-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Ferocactus cylindraceus grows in full sun and needs gritty, sharply drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Sandy or rocky mixes suit it, while heavy or constantly moist soil causes root and stem rot. Established plants need water only during prolonged drought, and container plants need a dry rest in winter. It tolerates desert heat and brief light frost but is damaged below about 20 F (-7 C). Growth is slow, so plants gain size over many years. Mealybugs and scale can affect stressed plants.

Pruning

Pruning is not part of normal care, as the plant keeps a single unbranched stem. Damaged or rotted tissue can be cut out with a clean blade and the cut left to callus in dry air. Spent fruit can be removed once it dries.