Homalocephala texensis
horse crippler cactus
South-central United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Homalocephala texensis is a low, solitary barrel cactus growing 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall and 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) wide, with a flattened, dome-shaped body that often sits nearly flush with the ground. The body bears 13 to 27 broad ribs lined with stout, rigid spines; each areole carries one downward-curving central spine 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long and six to seven shorter radial spines, hard enough to injure feet and hooves, which gives the plant its common name. Funnel-shaped flowers 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across open near the crown in spring, ranging from salmon-pink to rose with paler throats. Fleshy bright red fruits 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long follow and persist into summer. H. texensis grows on limestone soils of grasslands, mesquite plains, and desert scrub in Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil but rots in wet or poorly drained ground and is slow to recover if damaged or transplanted.
Native Range
Homalocephala texensis is native to the south-central United States and northern Mexico, occurring across Texas and into New Mexico and Oklahoma and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Nuevo León. It grows on limestone soils in grassland, mesquite plains, and desert scrub.Suggested Uses
Used in cactus and rock gardens, desert plantings, and containers in dry climates. Set in full sun on gritty soil and spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart, it suits xeric and collector gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, mainly March to May, often after rain. The funnel-shaped flowers 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) across are salmon-pink to rose with paler throats and open near the top of the plant. Bright red fleshy fruits follow and ripen through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
salmon-pink to roseFoliage Description
green spined body, leaflessGrowing 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
Grow H. texensis in full sun in shallow, sharply drained alkaline or limestone soil. It withstands extreme heat, drought, and infertile ground once established. Soil pH from 7.0 to 8.5 is suitable. The plant rots in wet, humid, or poorly drained conditions and needs dry soil through winter. It grows slowly and is intolerant of disturbance, so it is rarely moved once settled. Established plants need little or no supplemental water.Pruning
No pruning is required. Damaged or rotted areas can be cut away with a clean blade and the cut left to callus in dry air. Offsets are uncommon, so the plant keeps its solitary form.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons