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Ferocactus (Ferocactus)
Ferocactus are large-sized, barrel-shaped cacti. They have large spines, prominent ribs, and fragrant flowers. As drought-loving plants, they are native to the deserts of North America and Latin America. They are named 'Ferocactus' after their spines, as this term derives from the Greek words for "fierce spines." 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Ferocactus
Feedback
Attributes of Ferocactus
Plant Height
2 m
Spread
1.2 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Ferocactus
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Ferocactus
Distribution of Ferocactus
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Distribution Map of Ferocactus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Ferocactus
Feedback
Ferocactus thrive in environments with high light exposure, minimal water, well-draining soils, and warm temperatures, replicating their native arid habitats. Gardeners often face challenges including root rot from overwatering and pest infestations such as spider mites. Seasonally, ferocactus require less water in winter when dormant, and they can be sensitive to cold, necessitating shelter or indoor placement in cooler climates. Adjust care year-round to prevent stress and sustain health.
How to Water Ferocactus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Ferocactus?
How to Propagate Ferocactus?
How to Plant Ferocactus?
Exploring the Ferocactus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Townsend barrel cactus
Townsend barrel cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) is native to the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Townsend barrel cactus grows in sandy or rocky soil and on hillsides in the wild. Due to illegal collection, this species is declining in the wild. Townsend barrel cactus is also eaten by cattle and its natural habitat is sensitive to urbanization.
Fishhook barrel cactus
Fishhook barrel cactus (*Ferocactus wislizeni*) is a succulent that will grow from 91 to 183 cm tall. A very rare cactus, it has spines that resemble fishhooks. It prefers full sun in sandy, well-drained soil and can be grown outdoors, but cannot withstand cold temperatures. It blooms in summer with yellow to red-orange flowers that grow on top of the cactus.
California barrel cactus
California barrel cactus, or Ferocactus cylindraceus, gets its name from its barrel shape. Also, ferocactus means fierce or wild cactus. This is probably the largest type of cactus that grows in American deserts. This cactus has fierce spines, flowers that grow out of the top, and hollow yellow fruits that generally are not regarded as edible.
Turk's head
Another name for turk's head (Ferocactus hamatacanthus) is the Mexican fruit cactus. You’ll mostly find this prickly species in the Chihuahuan Desert, next to the Rio Grande, and located in northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S. You can eat the fleshy fruits produced by the plant.
San diego barrelcactus
The san diego barrelcactus (Ferocactus viridescens) is a rare species of barrel cactus. This North American plant is almost exclusively found in San Diego County in California, where its natural habitat has been threatened by development. It is not cold hardy, although it can be grown outdoors in the warm summer months.
Fire barrel cactus
Native to Mexico, the fire barrel cactus can be found in rocky habitats and gravelly plains. While young, it resembles a barrel in shape, but as it ages it becomes more cylindrical. Some specimens can become exceptionally tall, reaching a height of around 3 meters. This species is known to thrive in a symbiotic relationship with ants.
Candy barrel cactus
Candy barrel cactus is a large, spiny cactus that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is named for its barrel-like shape and its formidable spines, which can grow up to several inches long. It has a long lifespan - some individuals have been known to live for over a hundred years! This cactus is adapted to survive in hot, arid environments and is able to store water in its thick stem. This ability to store water makes candy barrel cactus a popular choice for xeriscaping and other water-efficient landscaping projects.
Devil's tongue barrel
Devil's tongue barrel is a desert cactus found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its name comes from its spiny, barrel-shaped body and the devilish appearance it gives. Native tribes have used its fruits as a source of water and food, while modern gardeners appreciate its ornamental value. It blooms in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators, and is drought-tolerant. Watch out for its sharp spines and avoid touching them, as they can cause skin irritation.
All Species of Ferocactus
Townsend barrel cactus
Townsend barrel cactus
Townsend barrel cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) is native to the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Townsend barrel cactus grows in sandy or rocky soil and on hillsides in the wild. Due to illegal collection, this species is declining in the wild. Townsend barrel cactus is also eaten by cattle and its natural habitat is sensitive to urbanization.
Fishhook barrel cactus
Fishhook barrel cactus
Fishhook barrel cactus (*Ferocactus wislizeni*) is a succulent that will grow from 91 to 183 cm tall. A very rare cactus, it has spines that resemble fishhooks. It prefers full sun in sandy, well-drained soil and can be grown outdoors, but cannot withstand cold temperatures. It blooms in summer with yellow to red-orange flowers that grow on top of the cactus.
California barrel cactus
California barrel cactus
California barrel cactus, or Ferocactus cylindraceus, gets its name from its barrel shape. Also, ferocactus means fierce or wild cactus. This is probably the largest type of cactus that grows in American deserts. This cactus has fierce spines, flowers that grow out of the top, and hollow yellow fruits that generally are not regarded as edible.
Turk's head
Turk's head
Another name for turk's head (Ferocactus hamatacanthus) is the Mexican fruit cactus. You’ll mostly find this prickly species in the Chihuahuan Desert, next to the Rio Grande, and located in northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S. You can eat the fleshy fruits produced by the plant.
San diego barrelcactus
San diego barrelcactus
The san diego barrelcactus (Ferocactus viridescens) is a rare species of barrel cactus. This North American plant is almost exclusively found in San Diego County in California, where its natural habitat has been threatened by development. It is not cold hardy, although it can be grown outdoors in the warm summer months.
Fire barrel cactus
Fire barrel cactus
Native to Mexico, the fire barrel cactus can be found in rocky habitats and gravelly plains. While young, it resembles a barrel in shape, but as it ages it becomes more cylindrical. Some specimens can become exceptionally tall, reaching a height of around 3 meters. This species is known to thrive in a symbiotic relationship with ants.
Candy barrel cactus
Candy barrel cactus
Candy barrel cactus is a large, spiny cactus that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is named for its barrel-like shape and its formidable spines, which can grow up to several inches long. It has a long lifespan - some individuals have been known to live for over a hundred years! This cactus is adapted to survive in hot, arid environments and is able to store water in its thick stem. This ability to store water makes candy barrel cactus a popular choice for xeriscaping and other water-efficient landscaping projects.
Devil's tongue barrel
Devil's tongue barrel
Devil's tongue barrel is a desert cactus found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Its name comes from its spiny, barrel-shaped body and the devilish appearance it gives. Native tribes have used its fruits as a source of water and food, while modern gardeners appreciate its ornamental value. It blooms in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators, and is drought-tolerant. Watch out for its sharp spines and avoid touching them, as they can cause skin irritation.
Mexican firebarrel
Mexican firebarrel
Mexican firebarrel is a slow-growing, barrel-shaped cactus that stands out with its densely packed red spines and yellow or red flowers in the summer. The spines can be used as knitting needles or as a natural fishhook.
Emory's barrel cactus
Emory's barrel cactus
Emory's barrel cactus lives in a symbiotic relationship with ants; the ants feed on the cactus' nectar and protect the plant from other insects in return. In the past, the Seris Indians used some parts of this cactus as medicine and food. Today, emory's barrel cactus is cultivated for its ornamental purposes; it can be propagated only by seeds.
Glaucous barrel cactus
Glaucous barrel cactus
Glaucous barrel cactus is a striking blue-green cactus with a spherical to slightly columnar shape, capable of growing up to 60 cm in height. Its robust body is adorned with prominent ribs lined with areoles, from which emerge clusters of yellow to white spines, providing defense and reducing water loss. This desert dweller blooms with cream-colored flowers, while its thick flesh thrives under the intense sun, storing precious water to endure long periods of drought.
Santa catalina barrel cactus
Santa catalina barrel cactus
Santa catalina barrel cactus is a robust barrel cactus endemic to Mexican deserts. It features thick, prominent spines and striking yellow flowers that bloom under the intense sun. This cactus thrives in arid conditions, its spherical shape minimizing surface area to reduce water loss and its spines deterring herbivores while providing some shade to its skin. Santa catalina barrel cactus's ability to store water allows it to withstand prolonged droughts.
Townsend's barrel cactus
Townsend's barrel cactus
Townsend's barrel cactus is a robust barrel cactus with a globular shape that elongates over time. Its thick, ridged stem is covered in spiny armor, an adaptation to its arid native habitat. It boasts large, showy, yellowish flowers atop the stem, signaling resilience amidst harsh desert climates. This species is a striking example of nature's ingenuity in water conservation and defense.
Biznaga de dulce
Biznaga de dulce
Biznaga de dulce has a memorable spherical shape, often being wider than it is high. Its 12 “ribs”, covered in bright red thorns that look like long, skinny, pointed tongues, are what make it easy to differentiate from other cacti. It produces beautiful funnel-shaped purple and yellow flowers in winter.
Ferocactus robustus
Ferocactus robustus
Ferocactus robustus, a resilient barrel cactus, flourishes in arid landscapes with a stout, cylindrical form that can reach impressive dimensions. Its ribbed surface is armed with sturdy spines, a key defense against desert herbivores. The distinctive bright-yellow flowers crown the cactus, revealing a striking contrast to its green to bluish-green fleshy body.
Fishhook barrel cactus
Fishhook barrel cactus
The star of arid rock gardens, fishhook barrel cactus isn't just a captivating sight with its large rounded body and beefy spines. This Mexican native, surprisingly, blooms brilliant yellow flowers in hot summer months, adding an unexpected burst of color to any dry landscape. With high drought resistance and sun tolerance, it's an eco-warrior and gardener's dream, taming wild deserts into paradise.
Sonora barrel cactus
Sonora barrel cactus
Sonora barrel cactus is a robust barrel cactus with a striking spherical to columnar shape that adapts well to the arid environments of its native habitat. Its surface is adorned with prominent ribs lined with robust spines that offer protection and minimize water loss. These spines, ranging from reddish to yellowish hues, also assist in shading the plant's skin from the intense desert sun.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Ferocactus
Ferocactus
Ferocactus are large-sized, barrel-shaped cacti. They have large spines, prominent ribs, and fragrant flowers. As drought-loving plants, they are native to the deserts of North America and Latin America. They are named 'Ferocactus' after their spines, as this term derives from the Greek words for "fierce spines."
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Ferocactus
Feedback
Attributes of Ferocactus
Plant Height
2 m
Spread
1.2 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Ferocactus
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Ferocactus Distribution of Ferocactus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Ferocactus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Ferocactus
Feedback
Ferocactus thrive in environments with high light exposure, minimal water, well-draining soils, and warm temperatures, replicating their native arid habitats. Gardeners often face challenges including root rot from overwatering and pest infestations such as spider mites. Seasonally, ferocactus require less water in winter when dormant, and they can be sensitive to cold, necessitating shelter or indoor placement in cooler climates. Adjust care year-round to prevent stress and sustain health.
How to Water Ferocactus?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Ferocactus?
How to Propagate Ferocactus?
How to Plant Ferocactus?
Exploring the Ferocactus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Townsend barrel cactus
Townsend barrel cactus (Ferocactus peninsulae) is native to the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Townsend barrel cactus grows in sandy or rocky soil and on hillsides in the wild. Due to illegal collection, this species is declining in the wild. Townsend barrel cactus is also eaten by cattle and its natural habitat is sensitive to urbanization.
Fishhook barrel cactus
Fishhook barrel cactus (*Ferocactus wislizeni*) is a succulent that will grow from 91 to 183 cm tall. A very rare cactus, it has spines that resemble fishhooks. It prefers full sun in sandy, well-drained soil and can be grown outdoors, but cannot withstand cold temperatures. It blooms in summer with yellow to red-orange flowers that grow on top of the cactus.
California barrel cactus
California barrel cactus, or Ferocactus cylindraceus, gets its name from its barrel shape. Also, ferocactus means fierce or wild cactus. This is probably the largest type of cactus that grows in American deserts. This cactus has fierce spines, flowers that grow out of the top, and hollow yellow fruits that generally are not regarded as edible.
Turk's head
Another name for turk's head (Ferocactus hamatacanthus) is the Mexican fruit cactus. You’ll mostly find this prickly species in the Chihuahuan Desert, next to the Rio Grande, and located in northern Mexico and the southwestern U.S. You can eat the fleshy fruits produced by the plant.
Show More Species
All Species of Ferocactus
Townsend barrel cactus
Fishhook barrel cactus
California barrel cactus
Turk's head
San diego barrelcactus
Fire barrel cactus
Candy barrel cactus
Devil's tongue barrel
Mexican firebarrel
Emory's barrel cactus
Glaucous barrel cactus
Santa catalina barrel cactus
Townsend's barrel cactus
Biznaga de dulce
Ferocactus robustus
Fishhook barrel cactus
Sonora barrel cactus
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
