Barrel Cactus
Ferocactus wislizeni
A classic desert icon with a distinctive barrel shape covered in formidable hooked spines that create stunning geometric patterns. This slow-growing southwestern native can live for decades and produces beautiful yellow or red tubular flowers when mature. Perfect for xeriscaping and adds dramatic desert character to any succulent garden.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–11
USDA hardiness
Height
2-10 feet
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Ferocactus acanthodes subsp. acanthodes (California Barrel Cactus), Ferocactus emoryi (Emory's Barrel Cactus), Ferocactus glaucescens (Blue Barrel Cactus), Ferocactus herrerae (Twisted Barrel Cactus), Ferocactus latispinus (Devil's Tongue Cactus), Ferocactus pilosus (Mexican Lime Cactus), Ferocactus wislizeni (Fishhook Barrel Cactus or Candy Barrel Cactus). Propagation: Seed.
Harvesting
The fruits are leathery, thick walled, and hollow except for seeds. They are ovoid or cylindrical and may be green, yellow, brownish, or reddish-purple. They measure 1 to 2 inches long and 0.5 to 1.5 inches wide. The seeds are black or dark brown. The fruits are edible, but they are usually consumed by small mammals in the desert versus humans.
Color: Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow, Green, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The fruits are edible, but they are not typically consumed by humans.
History & Origin
Origin: Southwestern and South Central United States to Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Rabbits
- +Attracts: The fruits are edible, but they are not typically consumed by humans.
- +Wildlife value: ees, moths, and birds are attracted to the flowers and fruits. Small desert mammals eat the fruits and disperse the seeds. Small mammals and reptiles used the cactus for shelter.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Aloe Vera
Similar water and sunlight requirements, compatible root systems
Jade Plant
Matching drought tolerance and well-draining soil needs
Prickly Pear Cactus
Shared desert habitat preferences and similar care requirements
Agave
Both thrive in arid conditions with minimal water and full sun
Sedum
Complementary shallow root systems and identical watering schedules
Desert Marigold
Native desert flower that attracts beneficial insects without competing for resources
Yucca
Similar drought adaptation and tolerance for poor, sandy soils
Ghost Plant
Matching low-water needs and preference for bright, direct sunlight
Keep Apart
Hosta
Requires consistently moist soil and shade, opposite of cactus needs
Fern
Needs high humidity and frequent watering, creates incompatible microclimate
Impatiens
Requires regular watering and partial shade, conflicts with desert conditions
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance in proper conditions
Common Pests
Scale insects, mealybugs (rare)
Diseases
Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage