Plants in genus ferocactus
Ferocactus histrix
Ferocactus histrix is a large barrel cactus native to central Mexico, known for its edible, sour-tasting fruit. It features a spherical shape with up to 40 ribs and yellow flowers. This cactus adapts well to arid environments and is suitable for xeric landscapes.
Ferocactus flavovirens
Ferocactus flavovirens is a cactus native to Mexico, forming clusters up to 1 meter tall and more than 2 meters wide. It features light or gray-green shoots with needle-like spines and funnel-shaped yellow to yellowish-red flowers. This plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Ferocactus hamatacanthus
Ferocactus hamatacanthus, commonly known as Turk's Head, is a solitary, globular cactus native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It grows up to 24 inches tall and features 13 to 17 ribs with large areoles and distinctive spines. This cactus produces yellow flowers with a scarlet center and edible, oblong fruit. It thrives in dry, rocky, alkaline sites and is well-suited for xeriscaping. Its unique appearance and resilience make it a fascinating addition to desert-themed gardens.
Ferocactus recurvus
Ferocactus recurvus is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus that thrives in sunny areas with ample light. It requires porous, well-draining soil and minimal watering, with drought periods between waterings. This cactus is known for its ability to reproduce in various ways and is well-suited to environments with high light exposure.
Ferocactus robustus
Ferocactus robustus, also known as the Chin cactus, is a small barrel cactus native to Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. It forms large, clumping colonies with spherical to club-shaped bodies and sharp-edged ribs. The cactus is adorned with reddish or purple thorns and produces striking funnel-shaped yellow flowers. It can grow up to 39 inches tall and requires minimal water once established. This cactus is unique within its genus due to its clumping growth habit and ability to propagate through seeds or offsets. It thrives in full sun and is hardy in zones 9b to 11, making it suitable for warm climates.
Ferocactus chrysacanthus
Ferocactus chrysacanthus is an endangered barrel cactus endemic to Baja California, Mexico, known for its solitary-stemmed, densely spined body and yellow to orange flowers. It requires well-draining soil and full sun, making it a striking addition to desert gardens.
Ferocactus macrodiscus
Ferocactus macrodiscus is a globular cactus native to Mexico, known for its 13 to 21 vertical ridges and colorful spines. It grows up to 18 inches wide and blooms with pink flowers in spring and summer. This drought-tolerant plant requires ample light and well-draining soil, making it a resilient choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Ferocactus glaucescens
This slow-growing cactus has a bluish-green globular or rounded barrel shape and is covered in clusters of long, light-yellow spines. It can grow up to 22 inches tall and 20 inches in diameter, producing funnel-shaped yellow flowers from spring to late summer. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in bright, direct sunlight with fast-draining soil.
Ferocactus emoryi ssp. rectispinus
Ferocactus emoryi ssp. rectispinus, also known as the straight spine barrel cactus, features large, light yellow flowers that bloom in summer. It attracts ants for protection and promotes outcrossing pollination. This slow-growing cactus requires very draining soil and full sun, tolerating sporadic light frost.
Ferocactus pilifer
Ferocactus pilifer, also known as the Mexican Lime Cactus, is a slow-growing cactus native to the Americas. It features unique shapes and yellow to red flowers, thriving in bright light and dry, arid climates.
Ferocactus alamosanus
Ferocactus alamosanus is a summer-growing cactus with greenish-yellow flowers, requiring well-drained soil and bright exposure. It can tolerate moderate shade and needs light frost protection. This cactus is known for its spiky growth habit and slow growth rate, making it a distinctive addition to any cactus collection.
Ferocactus viridescens ssp. orcuttii
Ferocactus viridescens ssp. orcuttii, known as the Coast Barrel Cactus, originates from Mexico and is summer-dormant. It grows on arid hills near rocky coasts, featuring yellow-greenish flowers. This cactus requires well-draining soils and occasional watering, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Ferocactus gracilis 'Coloratus'
Known for its fire red spines and flowers, this solitary columnar cactus can grow up to 8 feet tall but is generally below 4 feet. It has 13 to 20 ribs and produces yellow red-tinged flowers in early summer followed by yellow fruit. It is native to the southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico and requires little water and full sun.
Ferocactus tiburonensis
Ferocactus tiburonensis, also known as the fishhook barrel cactus, is a solitary barrel-shaped cactus native to the Gulf of California and Sonora, Mexico. It can grow up to 3.2 feet tall and produces yellow flowers with orange-yellow or reddish midribs in spring. This cactus thrives in full sun and is a striking addition to desert landscapes.