California Barrel Cactus
Ferocactus cylindraceus
Also known as Compass Barrel Cactus, Desert Barrel Cactus, Golden-spine Barrel Cactus
Climate Match for your location
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A barrel-shaped cactus with vertical ribs and stout spines that produces vibrant yellow flowers in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant and hardy, making it excellent for xeriscaping in desert gardens.
Why grow it
Ferocactus cylindraceus is notably cold-hardy for a barrel cactus, tolerating temperatures to around 15°F (-9°C) when established, which expands planting range compared to frost-sensitive species like F. latispinus. Its columnar form and moderate mature size (3-4 feet tall) make it more space-efficient than some spreading barrel varieties in constrained xeriscapes. The spring yellow flowers are reliable and relatively abundant compared to some congeners.
Watch out for
Growth is notably slow, often requiring 10-15 years to reach landscape maturity, which may disappoint gardeners expecting rapid establishment. In areas with high summer humidity or poor drainage, root rot risk increases notably despite the species' drought tolerance. Container plants in cooler climates need winter dormancy conditions (cool, dry) to flower reliably the following spring.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, California and Arizona
Native to: Arizona, California, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A barrel-shaped cactus with vertical ribs and stout spines that produces vibrant yellow flowers in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant and hardy, making it excellent for xeriscaping in desert gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Barrel Cactus grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ferocactus cylindraceus is notably cold-hardy for a barrel cactus, tolerating temperatures to around 15°F (-9°C) when established, which expands planting range compared to frost-sensitive species like F. latispinus. Its columnar form and moderate mature size (3-4 feet tall) make it more space-efficient than some spreading barrel varieties in constrained xeriscapes. The spring yellow flowers are reliable and relatively abundant compared to some congeners.
Watch out for
Growth is notably slow, often requiring 10-15 years to reach landscape maturity, which may disappoint gardeners expecting rapid establishment. In areas with high summer humidity or poor drainage, root rot risk increases notably despite the species' drought tolerance. Container plants in cooler climates need winter dormancy conditions (cool, dry) to flower reliably the following spring.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, California and Arizona
Native to: Arizona, California, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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