Native Plant Database

Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Ferocactus hamatacanthus (Muehlenpfordt) Britt. & Rose

Turk's head, Turk’s head

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonyms: Hamatocactus hamatacanthus

USDA Symbol: feha2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

In its early stages of growth the Turks head is rather round, but it becomes columnar as it reaches maturity, about 8 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter. It usually has a single stem but occasionally will branch. It has 13–17 large, broad ribs with tubercles up to 2 inches high. Out of the tubercles grow 8–14 outer spines and 4–8 central ones, the lowest of which is extremely long, up to 6 inches, and hooked on the end. The flowers are 2 1/2–4 inches tall almost as wide, and fragrant, though one should be steady on one’s feet when smelling them. There are up to 30 inner petals, which are long and wide, but pointed at the tip. They are yellow, sometimes red at the base. The pistils and the anthers are yellow. The pistils extend beyond the stamen.

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