Echinocereus fendleri, commonly known as Pinkflower Hedgehog Cactus or Fendler’s Hedgehog Cactus, is a perennial herbaceous succulent native to arid and semi-arid regions, including desert scrub, grasslands, and juniper-pinyon woodlands in the Southwestern United States and Northeastern Mexico, with a notable presence in New Mexico. It typically grows 3 to 12 inches tall with an erect oval or cylindrical stem that may form clumps. The plant is adorned with spines in shades of brown and white. During the spring and early summer, it produces showy pink flowers up to 4 inches long, followed by red fruits a few centimeters long that are attractive to various wildlife.

The Pinkflower Hedgehog Cactus is valued for its drought tolerance and striking floral display, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a specimen in desert-themed landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with well-draining soil. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so careful watering is essential. While it is edible and was historically consumed by Native Americans, it is not commonly used for culinary purposes today. The rare variety Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri is endangered and should be protected. Gardeners should be aware that the cactus can be sensitive to overwatering and cold temperatures.CC BY-SA 4.0