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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Echinocereus pectinatus (Scheidw.) Engelm.
Rainbow cactus
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
USDA Symbol: ECPE
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Size Notes: Globose or short cylindrical plants to 6in high, 2½-3¼in thick.
Flower: Flowers 2 1/2 to 3 1/4 inches across
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: diurnal
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: Central and southern Arizona east to western Texas and south to northern Mexico.
Native Habitat: Rocky slopes and flats, commonly on limestone.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Bibliography
Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles GlassSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Echinocereus pectinatus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Echinocereus pectinatus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Echinocereus pectinatus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
