Hard cactus
Botanical name: Sclerocactus
Hard cactus
Botanical name: Sclerocactus
Description
Hard cactus are ovoid to elongate cylindric, have rigid stems with tubercles that are generally coalesced into ribs, and are covered with spines that come out of the areoles. Most species have at least one hooked spine at each areole. It comprises about 15 species. These plants are found in higher elevation deserts such as on the Colorado Plateau, or in the Mohave Desert or the Great Basin. 
Species of Hard cactus
Tobusch fishhook cactus
The tobusch fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus scheeri) is different from other Fishhook cacti because it has a flatter, longer spine and is much frailer than other varieties of Sclerocactus. It is incredibly rare and is only found in certain counties of Nevada and possibly Utah. Enjoys growing solitary, in dry, desert conditions.
Chihuahuan fishhook cactus
Chihuahuan fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus uncinatus) is identifiable by a thick skin and dark flowers that hover above vicious spines. They fruit with pods that are incredibly tough. Once they finally release their seeds, they can take up to three years to successfully germinate! Although these plants thrive in heat, they must experience cold temperatures to bloom.
White fishhook cactus
White fishhook cactus are ovoid to elongate cylindric, have rigid stems with tubercles that are generally coalesced into ribs, and are covered with spines that come out of the areoles. Most species have at least one hooked spine at each areole. It comprises about 15 species. These plants are found in higher elevation deserts such as on the Colorado Plateau, or in the Mohave Desert or the Great Basin.
Redspined fishhook cactus
Redspined fishhook cactus are ovoid to elongate cylindric, have rigid stems with tubercles that are generally coalesced into ribs, and are covered with spines that come out of the areoles. Most species have at least one hooked spine at each areole. It comprises about 15 species. These plants are found in higher elevation deserts such as on the Colorado Plateau, or in the Mohave Desert or the Great Basin.
Sclerocactus unguispinus
Sclerocactus unguispinus are ovoid to elongate cylindric, have rigid stems with tubercles that are generally coalesced into ribs, and are covered with spines that come out of the areoles. Most species have at least one hooked spine at each areole. It comprises about 15 species. These plants are found in higher elevation deserts such as on the Colorado Plateau, or in the Mohave Desert or the Great Basin.
Pygmy barrel cactus
Pygmy barrel cactus are ovoid to elongate cylindric, have rigid stems with tubercles that are generally coalesced into ribs, and are covered with spines that come out of the areoles. Most species have at least one hooked spine at each areole. It comprises about 15 species. These plants are found in higher elevation deserts such as on the Colorado Plateau, or in the Mohave Desert or the Great Basin.
Small flower fishhook cactus
The spines of the small flower fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus parviflorus) can be intimidating, but the flowers make up for it with their beauty. Deserts of the American Southwest erupt every spring from drab hues of brown to brilliant pinks and purples when in bloom. Legend states that the spines were at one time used for fishing.
Care Guide for Hard cactus
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Hard cactus 
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