Strawberry Cactus
(Echinocereus stramineus)
Strawberry Cactus (Echinocereus stramineus)
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James Steakley
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
James Steakley
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: James Steakley | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Jdsteakley | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Echinocereus_stramineus.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Echinocereus stramineus, commonly known as Strawberry Cactus, Porcupine Hedgehog Cactus, Straw-color Hedgehog, or Pitaya, is a perennial succulent native to the Chihuahuan Desert and other arid regions in Northern Mexico and parts of Texas. It thrives in rocky outcrops and desert scrub environments. This cactus typically grows in clusters with cylindrical stems that can reach up to 60 cm in height and 15 cm in diameter. Its distinctive straw-colored spines, which can be up to 6 cm long, provide a unique texture and appearance. The plant blooms from late March to May, producing large, showy flowers that are 8.5 to 12.5 cm in both diameter and length. The flowers range in color from pink to magenta and are quite attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
The Strawberry Cactus is valued for its striking spines and vibrant flowers, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a potted specimen in areas with cold winters. It is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water and thriving in well-draining soils. Full sun is essential for the health and flowering of this cactus. While it is generally pest-free, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering and to provide adequate drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Strawberry Cactus is valued for its striking spines and vibrant flowers, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a potted specimen in areas with cold winters. It is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water and thriving in well-draining soils. Full sun is essential for the health and flowering of this cactus. While it is generally pest-free, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering and to provide adequate drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.15-0.3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the Chihuahuan Desert and rocky desert scrub environments in Northern Mexico and parts of Texas
Other Names
Common Names: Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus, Porcupine Hedgehog Cactus, Straw-Color Hedgehog, Pitaya
Scientific Names: , Echinocereus stramineus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Echinocereus stramineus Engelm. ex Rümpler