Texas Rainbow Cactus

(Echinocereus dasyacanthus)

Texas Rainbow Cactus (Echinocereus dasyacanthus)

G.A. Cooper

Public domain

Image By: G.A. Cooper

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Echinocereus dasyacanthus, commonly known as Texas Rainbow Cactus, is a deciduous succulent native to the Chihuahuan Desert and semi-desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It typically forms a single stem or 2-3 basal branches, but it can occasionally have 3-10 stems. The spines, which vary greatly in characteristics, are often dense and overlapping, obscuring the stem. Their coloration ranges from tan to yellow to pink, with less common ashy-white to reddish-brown variants. The flowering season extends from March to May, with large, sweet-smelling flowers that are pollinated by bees. These blooms appear on the sides of the stem near the apex and can be bright yellow with a green throat, dark to pale yellow, canary yellow, golden yellow, or deep red to rose pink. The fruits start green or greenish purple and mature to a darker purple, with juicy white to purplish-pink pulp.

Texas Rainbow Cactus is valued for its ornamental spines and vibrant flowers, making it a popular choice for desert landscaping, as a houseplant, or in greenhouses. It is relatively easy to care for due to its small size and low maintenance requirements. This cactus thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring minimal water and well-draining soil or rocky sandy substrate. While it is generally pest-resistant, root rot can occur if overwatered. It is important to note that while it is not typically invasive, it should not be collected from the wild, as it is protected in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulent
Height: 1-1.5 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Yellow, Orange
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Very Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the Chihuahuan Desert and semi-desert regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Spiny Hedgehog Cactus, Texas Rainbow Hedgehog, Golden Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, Yellow-Flower Pitaya, Órgano-Pequeño Arcoiris De Texas, Gul Regnbågskaktus

Scientific Names: , Echinocereus dasyacanthus, Cereus dasyacanthus, Echinocereus dasyacanthus subsp. dasyacanthus, Echinocereus pectinatus var. dasyacanthus, Echinocereus pectinatus var. neomexicanus, Echinocereus dasyacanthus subsp. multispinosus, Echinocereus dasyacanthus subsp. rectispinus, Echinocereus dasyacanthus subsp. crockettianus, Echinocereus roetteri var. neomexicanus

GBIF Accepted Name: Echinocereus dasyacanthus Engelm.