Echinocactus grusonii

‘Golden Barrel’

OVERVIEW:

Echinocactus grusonii is a uniquely beautiful cacti that could originally be found in Central Mexico in the Rio Moctezuma Valley, Queretaro. Although widely distributed, the overcollection of fully mature E. grusonii has led to its near extinction in its own native habitat. To fix this, they are now homed in the Mexican Botanical Gardens where they allow nurseries to still use for propagation/ cloning purposes. E. grusonii, despite being an extremely slow grower, reaches a mature size of 2-3’ tall and wide and is often found growing in clusters. This pale green barrel is ribbed with several areoles (growth point for spikes) that produce 4” long yellow/golden spikes. Often times you will see the clusters of golden barrels facing S/SE in order to protect its areoles.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Echinocactus grusonii

Common Name: Golden Barrel Cactus, mothers-in-law cushion

Family: Asparagaceae

Suggested Uses: Specimen pieces, desert landscapes

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 2-3’

Width: 2-3’

Flower: yellow/ golden flowers

Bloom Period: mid to late spring to the end of the summer

Fruit: NA

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 9a-11

Hardiness- can handle low of 20F

Sun: Full sun

Water: Consistent water once every 1-2 weeks in summer, reduce in winter

Soil: Sandy, rocky well-draining soils