A hidden treasure

The barrel cactus is most often found in grasslands, which can make it difficult to see unless the plant is in bloom or has maturing fruit. It is characterized by spines that are often longer than the plant is wide and huge yellow flowers that adorn the top of the stem. 

About
Wildlife Facts
Common Name:
Barrel Cactus
Scientific Name:
Ferocactus hamatacanthus
Origin:
Southeastern New Mexico, southwestern Texas, northern Mexico
Color:
  • Yellow
Fun Facts:
  • Fruits are brown and edible.
  • Flowers are yellow and fragrant.
Plant Type:
  • Cactus/Succulent
Endangered Status
Endangered Status
  • Extinct in Wild (EW)
  • Critically Endangered (CR)
  • Endangered (EN)
  • Vulnerable (VU)
  • Near Threatened (NT)
  • Least Concern (LC)
  • Not Evaluated (NE)
Hardiness Zones

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6a (−10 °F to −5 °F)

6b (−5 °F to 0 °F)

7a (0 °F to 5 °F)

7b (5 °F to 10 °F)

8a (10 °F to 15 °F)

8b (15 °F to 20 °F)

9a (20 °F to 25 °F)

9b (25 °F to 30 °F)

10a (30 °F to 35 °F)

10b (35 °F to 40 °F)

11a (40 °F to 45 °F)

11b (45 °F to 50 °F)