Ferocactus

plant genus

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June 26, 2026

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The genus Ferocactus comprises nearly 30 species of barrel cacti native to the dry regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These plants are characterized by their strong, stiff spines and prominent ribs, and they can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall and 60 cm (2 feet) in diameter. Their flowers are typically yellow to orange and purplish, sometimes fragrant, and can be up to 8 cm (3 inches) across, with spines that can reach up to 10 cm (4 inches) in length. Ferocactus is one of the two main genera commonly referred to as barrel cacti, the other being Echinocactus.1

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barrel cactus
…30 species of the genus Ferocactus are found in dry environments of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They can reach about 3 metres (10 feet) high and about 60 cm in diameter, and the stems generally have strong stiff spines and prominent ribs. The flowers, yellow to orange…
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…30 species of the genus Ferocactus are found in dry environments of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They can reach about 3 metres (10 feet) high and about 60 cm in diameter, and the stems generally have strong stiff spines and prominent ribs. The flowers, yellow to orange…
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fishhook cactus
…from other genera, such as Ferocactus (see barrel cactus). Some of their hooked spines are strong enough to have been used as actual fishing hooks by indigenous and local peoples throughout the Americas.
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…from other genera, such as Ferocactus (see barrel cactus). Some of their hooked spines are strong enough to have been used as actual fishing hooks by indigenous and local peoples throughout the Americas.
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