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(Bergerocactus emoryi)
Golden Snake Cactus (Bergerocactus emoryi)
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Casey H. Richart
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Casey H. Richart
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Casey H. Richart | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Casey H. Richart | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-03-24T14:59:34-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bergerocactus emoryi, commonly known as Golden Snake Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to the coastal sage scrub and chaparral of Southern California and Baja California. It typically forms dense thickets or colonies, with stems that can reach up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) in length. The stems are cylindrical, covered in interlaced, dense yellow spines that can give a velvety appearance when backlit by sunlight. From April to May, it produces yellow, green-tinged flowers that are followed by reddish, globular fruits. The flowers are diurnal and can be quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees.
The Golden Snake Cactus is valued for its unique, spiny appearance and its ability to thrive in arid environments, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is often used as an ornamental plant in areas that mimic its native habitat. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, very low to low water once established, and well-draining soil to prevent root rot. It is relatively low-maintenance, but it should be protected from frost to prevent damage to the stems.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Golden Snake Cactus is valued for its unique, spiny appearance and its ability to thrive in arid environments, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is often used as an ornamental plant in areas that mimic its native habitat. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, very low to low water once established, and well-draining soil to prevent root rot. It is relatively low-maintenance, but it should be protected from frost to prevent damage to the stems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
native to the coastal sage scrub and chaparral of Southern California and Baja California
Other Names
Common Names: Prohibition Cactus, Sprawling Cactus, Gold-Spine Cereus, Golden Cereus, Golden Club Cactus, Velvet Cactus, Órgano Aterciopelado, Golden Snakecactus
Scientific Names: , Cactus emoryi, Bergerocactus emoryi, Cereus emoryi, Echinocereus emoryi, Bergerocereus emoryi,
GBIF Accepted Name: Bergerocactus emoryi (Engelm.) Britton & Rose