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(Echinocereus engelmannii)
Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii)
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Stan Shebs
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Stan Shebs
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Stan Shebs | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Stan Shebs | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Echinocereus_engelmannii_10.jpg | Notes: AnRo0002 moved page [[File:Kugeldistel 20050705 565.jpg]] to [[File:Echinops sphaerocephalus 20050705 565.jpg]] |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Echinocereus engelmannii, commonly known as Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to arid desert regions and rocky hillsides in the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico. It often forms clusters with numerous cylindrical stems, sometimes up to 20 or more. The plant typically grows to a height of 8-12 inches (20-30 centimeters) with a similar spread. The bright magenta flowers are quite showy, blooming from April in its southern range to late May in northern areas. Flowers are funnelform, up to 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) long, with dark-green stigmas, and are borne at the upper half to one-third of the stem. Following flowering, the plant produces spiny green fruit that turns pink and dries when ripe, with spines that easily detach. The black seeds are about a tenth of an inch in size.
Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus is valued for its striking flowers and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a potted plant in regions outside its native range. It is also appreciated for its ability to withstand drought and intense heat. In cultivation, this cactus requires a well-aerated, gritty substrate and thrives in a hot and sunny location during the summer. It can tolerate light frost and wet conditions in winter if the soil is well-drained. This species typically does not bloom until it has developed 2-3 branches. It is best suited to full sun exposure and requires very low to low amounts of water, with medium to fast-draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus is valued for its striking flowers and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a potted plant in regions outside its native range. It is also appreciated for its ability to withstand drought and intense heat. In cultivation, this cactus requires a well-aerated, gritty substrate and thrives in a hot and sunny location during the summer. It can tolerate light frost and wet conditions in winter if the soil is well-drained. This species typically does not bloom until it has developed 2-3 branches. It is best suited to full sun exposure and requires very low to low amounts of water, with medium to fast-draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 0.2-0.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Purple, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to arid desert regions and rocky hillsides
Other Names
Common Names: Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus
Scientific Names: , Echinocereus engelmannii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Echinocereus engelmannii (Parry) Lem. ex Rümpler