Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose
Candy barrelcactus, Candy barrel cactus, Fishhook barrel cactus, Southwestern barrel cactus
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
A cylindrical cactus, candy barrel cactus or fishhook barrel cactus sometimes reaches 10 ft. in height and 2 ft. in diameter and is one of our rarest cacti. It is round in its early stages, then
oval or cone-shaped, and finally cylindrical. It has 13–25 vertical ribs extending from the bottom to the top of the stem. The tubercles that make up the ribs are pointed. The yellowish-red or purplish-red spines are in groups of 12–20, with 3 or 4 much stronger than the others, 1 1/2–4 inches long. The upper 3 are straight, and the fourth is usually hooked downward and is much heavier than the other 3. The flowers vary in color among shades of yellow, gold, red, and orange, and are about 2 inches long and up to 3 inches across. The petals are short in relation to the width of the center portion. Yellow fruits follow.
Fruits attract birds and small mammals.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: AZ to w. TX & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Deserts; grasslands; rocky areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy or gravelly soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Attractive, Blooms ornamental, Desert landscape
Use Wildlife: Fruits attract birds and small mammals.
Warning: This cactus has very sharp spines.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2009-02-20
