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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Echinocereus pectinatus (Rainbow cactus)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Echinocereus pectinatus

Echinocereus pectinatus (Scheidw.) Engelm.

Rainbow Cactus

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: ECPE

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A low, cylindrical cactus girdled from top to bottom by bands of colorful spines, pink, gray, pale yellow, brown, or white; flowers pink, rose, lavender, or yellow.

The banded colors of spines explain the name Rainbow Cactus. The strikingly beautiful flowers seem far too large for the plant.

 

From the Image Gallery

8 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Globose or short cylindrical plants to 6 inches high, 2 1/2-3 1/4 inches thick.
Flower: Flowers 2 1/2 to 3 1/4 inches across.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Diurnal.

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: Central and southern Arizona east to western Texas and south to northern Mexico.
Native Habitat: Rocky slopes and flats, commonly on limestone.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry

Bibliography

Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles Glass

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Echinocereus pectinatus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Echinocereus pectinatus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Echinocereus pectinatus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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