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Lophophora williamsii
Lophophora williamsii (Lem. ex Salm-Dyck) J.M. Coult.
Peyote
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Synonym(s): Lophophora williamsii var. echinata
USDA Symbol: LOWI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Low, gray, spineless, nearly hemispherical stems growing singly or in broad dense clumps, topped by several pink flowers.
Cut and dried "buttons" of Peyote, when chewed, produce color hallucinations and are important in certain Native American religious ceremonies. The plant contains narcotics. A federal permit is required to possess any part of the plant. In Texas Peyote has been almost eliminated by collectors, but in areas of Mexico it is still very common.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Globular with a flattened surface, up to about 2 inches above ground level.
Flower: Flowers 1/2 to 1 inch across.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Flowers are diurnal, lasting for two or three days.
Distribution
USA: TXNative Distribution: Southern Texas and northern Mexico.
Native Habitat: Limestone soil in deserts.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Conditions Comments: Minimum temperature 45 F.
Bibliography
Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles GlassSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Lophophora williamsii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lophophora williamsii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lophophora williamsii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-17Research By: TWC Staff