Ferocactus cylindraceus
California barrel cactus
Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of southwestern North America
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
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 orangeFoliage Description
green stem with yellow to red spinesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
