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(Ferocactus emoryi)
Emory’s Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus emoryi)
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ALAN SCHMIERER
CC0 1.0 Universal
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ALAN SCHMIERER
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CC0 1.0 Universal
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: ALAN SCHMIERER | License Type: CC0 1.0 Universal | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: sloalan | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ferocactus emoryi, commonly known as Emory’s Barrel Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, as well as desert scrublands in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. This plant is well-adapted to hot, arid environments and thrives on rocky slopes and in gravelly soil. It typically forms a spherical or cylindrical shape, with a light green to glaucous coloration, reaching a diameter of 60–100 centimeters (24–39 inches) and a height of 2–2.5 meters (6 feet 7 inches – 8 feet 2 inches). The cactus has 15 to 30 ribs with pronounced tubercles, particularly noticeable during its juvenile stage. Its spines, ranging from white to reddish, are a defining feature; the central spine is very strong and 4–10 cm long, while the seven to twelve radial spines can reach up to 6 cm in length. The large, funnel-shaped flowers are showy, usually red or yellow, and can reach lengths of up to 7.5 centimeters with a diameter of 5 to 7 centimeters. The fruit is ovoidal and about 5 cm long.
Emory’s Barrel Cactus is valued for its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used as a dramatic specimen plant in desert landscapes. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure, minimal water, and well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The subspecies F.e. rectispinus is particularly notable for having the longest spines of any cactus, with central spines reaching up to ten inches (25 centimeters) or even thirteen inches (32 centimeters) in length. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if overwatered. It is important to note that Ferocactus emoryi can be quite large and heavy, requiring careful consideration of its placement in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Emory’s Barrel Cactus is valued for its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used as a dramatic specimen plant in desert landscapes. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure, minimal water, and well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The subspecies F.e. rectispinus is particularly notable for having the longest spines of any cactus, with central spines reaching up to ten inches (25 centimeters) or even thirteen inches (32 centimeters) in length. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if overwatered. It is important to note that Ferocactus emoryi can be quite large and heavy, requiring careful consideration of its placement in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 5-7.5 feet
- Width: 7-9 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Brown, Yellow, Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, as well as desert scrublands, rocky slopes, and gravelly soil areas in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Coville’s Barrel Cactus, Traveler’s Friend, Biznaga-Barril De Emory
Scientific Names: , Ferocactus emoryi,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ferocactus emoryi (Engelm.) Orcutt