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Barrel Cactus

Barrel Cactus

Common Name:
Barrel Cactus
Origin:
Southeastern New Mexico, southwestern Texas, northern Mexico
Color:
  • Yellow
Plant Type:
  • Cactus/Succulent
About:

Which cactus is hard to see unless it is flowering or fruiting because it is often found growing in grasslands? Learn more about the Barrel Cactus.

Ferocactus hamatacanthus

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6a (−10 °F to −5 °F)

6b (−5 °F to 0 °F)

7a (0 °F to 5 °F)

7b (5 °F to 10 °F)

8a (10 °F to 15 °F)

8b (15 °F to 20 °F)

9a (20 °F to 25 °F)

9b (25 °F to 30 °F)

10a (30 °F to 35 °F)

10b (35 °F to 40 °F)

11a (40 °F to 45 °F)

11b (45 °F to 50 °F)

Endangered Status
  • Extinct in Wild (EW)
  • Critically Endangered (CR)
  • Endangered (EN)
  • Vulnerable (VU)
  • Near Threatened (NT)
  • Least Concern (LC)
  • Not Evaluated (NE)

A hidden treasure

The barrel cactus is most often found in grasslands, which can make it difficult to see unless the plant is in bloom or has maturing fruit. It is characterized by spines that are often longer than the plant is wide and huge yellow flowers that adorn the top of the stem. 

Fun Facts:
  • Fruits are brown and edible.
  • Flowers are yellow and fragrant.
Barrel Cactus