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Watson, Sean

Echinocereus coccineus var. paucispinus

Echinocereus coccineus Engelm. var. paucispinus (Engelm.) D.J. Ferguson

Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus, Claret Cup

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonym(s): Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. paucispinus

USDA Symbol: ECCOP

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Clumping cylindrical cactus, pale green stems up to 16 inches long , 2-3 inches in diameter, erect or semi-prostrate; 5 to 8 warty ribs with narrow furrows. Funnel shaped red or orange-red flower, 2 inches long (5 cm), stigma with 7 lobes.

The showy orange-red flowers on this cactus occur in spring to early summer, and can be numerous on larger clumps. This species can handle full sun, but prefers protection from the western or late afternoon sun.

From the Image Gallery

6 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall, often shorter.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Orange
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: TX

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Heat Tolerant: yes

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Echinocereus coccineus var. paucispinus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Echinocereus coccineus var. paucispinus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Echinocereus coccineus var. paucispinus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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