california barrel cactus
Ferocactus acanthodes
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size6 to 10 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Cactus/succulent
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow , green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
California barrel cactus (Ferocactus acanthodes) is a succulent for xeriscapes, borders, and low maintenance gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Yellow flowers appear in spring and early summer, and bright yellow fruits follow. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with American century plant, Prickly-pear, and Desert spoon.
Native range
AZ, CA, NV, and UT.