Kingcup Cactus

(Echinocereus triglochidiatus)

Kingcup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Echinocereus triglochidiatus, commonly known as Kingcup Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to arid regions, including deserts, rocky slopes, and scrublands of the Southwestern USA. It typically forms mounding clusters that can range from a few to hundreds of spherical to cylindrical stems, each densely covered in spines and sometimes woolly fibers. The Kingcup Cactus is renowned for its showy, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring, measuring up to 8-9 cm wide with bright scarlet red to orange-red tepals. The flowers have a thick nectar chamber and numerous thready pink stamens, attracting hummingbirds for pollination.

This cactus is valued for its drought tolerance and striking flowers, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a specimen plant in areas with arid climates. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water, adapting well to soils with fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Gardeners should be cautious of its spines when handling and planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Succulent, Shrub
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Red
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Very Low
  • Drainage: 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

Arid regions, deserts, rocky slopes, and scrublands in the Southwestern USA

Other Names

Common Names: Mojave Mound Cactus, Claretcup Hedgehog, Rose’s Claret-Cup Cactus, Rose’s Hedgehog, Robust Claret-Cup Hedgehog, Claret-Cup Cactus, King-Crown Cactus, King-Cup Cactus, Spineless Hedgehog, Black-Spine Claret-Cup Cactus

Scientific Names: , Echinocereus triglochidiatus, Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. triglochidiatus, Echinocereus paucispinus var. hexaedrus, Echinocereus paucispinus var. triglochidiatus, Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. hexaedrus, Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. inermis, Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. multicostatus,

GBIF Accepted Name: Echinocereus triglochidiatus Engelm.