Echinocactus texensis

The Echinocactus texensis is indigenous to Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma (USA). Additionally, it is found in northeastern Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Durango, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas). It is a slow growing, stout barrel cactus. Solitary when young, as this species matures it can begin clustering (relatively rare).

Flower color is variable, ranging from white, rose-pink and pale silvery-pink. Throats are red. Easily flowering species. Fruit is edible, fleshy and is used to make candy. Fruit is scarlet to crimson in color and spheric to ovoid in shape.

The Echinocactus texensis is a summer growing species. Easy to cultivate, making it a great choice for novice gardeners. It is more cold tolerant than many other species (USDA hardiness zone 9a). Excellent plant for container growing. Looks neat and manicured 365 days a year and remains at a manageable size (1' tall by 1' wide). Great choice for xeriscaping!

Synonyms:

Ferocactus texensis
Echinocactus lindheimeri Engelm. & A.Gray
Homalocephala texensis (Hopffer ex Regel) Britton & Rose
Echinocactus texensis var. gourgensii Cels ex Labour.
Homalocephala texensis var. gourgensii (Cels ex Labour.) Y.Itô
Echinocactus texensis var. longispinus Schelle
Echinocactus texensis f. longispinus Schelle
Echinocactus texensis var. treculianus Förster