John Owens (talk) · CC BY 2.5
About
*Ferocactus wislizeni*, known by common names like fishhook barrel cactus or Arizona barrel cactus, is a large, ball-shaped cactus notable for its thick, hooked spines and tendency to lean southward toward the sun. It is a durable, drought-tolerant plant often used ornamentally in arid landscapes.
Field notes
Morphology
The cactus typically grows to a diameter of roughly 2.25 ft (0.69 m) and a height of 3–6 ft (0.91–1.83 m), though specimens up to 3 ft (0.91 m) wide and 10 ft (3.0 m) tall have been recorded. It features a leathery asparagus green cortex with approximately 15-28 ribs. The spines are thick and hooked, and the flowers are yellow to red-orange, appearing atop the cactus body during the summer months.
Distribution & habitat
Native to southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, specifically found in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, El Paso County, Texas, and northern Mexico states including Sonora, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua. It thrives at elevations between 1000 and 5300 feet (300–1600 m) in full sun, hot arid climates, and is frost-tolerant to 5 °F (-15 °C).
Ecology
The flowers are pollinated by cactus bees (Lithurge spp.). The fruit is consumed by mule deer, birds, Antelope Ground Squirrels, and javelina, with birds having a particular fondness for the seeds. Historically, the fruit was used by local populations for candy and jelly, and the flowers and fruit were used as emergency food.
Cultivation notes
It is valued as an ornamental plant in urban areas for xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance and low-maintenance requirements in full sun.
History & etymology
The species was first described as *Echinocactus wislizeni* in 1848 by George Engelmann, and later placed into the genus *Ferocactus* by Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose in 1922.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- Texas, United States, Mexico
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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