Fishhook Barrel Cactus
Ferocactus wislizeni
Also listed as Echinocactus wislizeni
Also known as Fishhook Cactus, Arizona Barrel Cactus, Southwestern Barrel Cactus
Climate Match for your location
See how well Fishhook Barrel Cactus grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A barrel-shaped desert cactus with distinctive downward-curving spines resembling fishhooks. It produces bright yellow flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by spiny yellow fruit.
Why grow it
Ferocactus wislizeni tolerates hotter, drier conditions than many barrel cacti species and can reach substantial size with minimal intervention in appropriate climates. It offers reliable yellow flowering and fruit production in arid landscapes where water availability is limited, making it a practical choice for low-input xeriscaping in the southwestern United States and similar regions.
Watch out for
This cactus grows slowly and may take many years to reach maturity, so patience is essential. It prefers very well-draining soil and infrequent watering once established, as overwatering is a common cause of failure. In cooler climates, provide winter protection or grow in containers that can be moved indoors during freezing temperatures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A barrel-shaped desert cactus with distinctive downward-curving spines resembling fishhooks. It produces bright yellow flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by spiny yellow fruit.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Fishhook 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 wislizeni tolerates hotter, drier conditions than many barrel cacti species and can reach substantial size with minimal intervention in appropriate climates. It offers reliable yellow flowering and fruit production in arid landscapes where water availability is limited, making it a practical choice for low-input xeriscaping in the southwestern United States and similar regions.
Watch out for
This cactus grows slowly and may take many years to reach maturity, so patience is essential. It prefers very well-draining soil and infrequent watering once established, as overwatering is a common cause of failure. In cooler climates, provide winter protection or grow in containers that can be moved indoors during freezing temperatures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.