Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus engelmannii
Also listed as Cereus engelmannii, Pilocereus engelmannii
Also known as Engelmann's Long Spine Cactus, Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus, Strawberry Cactus
Climate Match for your location
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A low, clustering hedgehog cactus with vibrant magenta to pink flowers that bloom in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant and ideal for desert and rock gardens.
Why grow it
Engelmann's hedgehog cactus offers reliable spring blooms and compact clustering growth in arid landscapes where many flowering perennials struggle. Compared to other Echinocereus species, it tolerates lower winter temperatures and is among the most widely adapted to inland desert regions of the southwestern United States. Its modest size makes it suitable for rock gardens and containers where larger cacti would dominate.
Watch out for
In areas with high summer humidity or poor drainage, root rot can develop even though the plant is drought-tolerant once established. Young plants benefit from afternoon shade during their first year in very hot climates, as seedlings can sunscald before developing thick skin. Clustering forms may spread more widely than expected over several years, so allow adequate space when planning garden placement.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A low, clustering hedgehog cactus with vibrant magenta to pink flowers that bloom in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant and ideal for desert and rock gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Engelmann's hedgehog cactus offers reliable spring blooms and compact clustering growth in arid landscapes where many flowering perennials struggle. Compared to other Echinocereus species, it tolerates lower winter temperatures and is among the most widely adapted to inland desert regions of the southwestern United States. Its modest size makes it suitable for rock gardens and containers where larger cacti would dominate.
Watch out for
In areas with high summer humidity or poor drainage, root rot can develop even though the plant is drought-tolerant once established. Young plants benefit from afternoon shade during their first year in very hot climates, as seedlings can sunscald before developing thick skin. Clustering forms may spread more widely than expected over several years, so allow adequate space when planning garden placement.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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