Nylon Hedgehog Cactus

Frost Tolerance: Very cold resistant, hardy to -20° F (-28°C) or less, it looks shriveled and dehydrated in winter

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Northern Mexico, USA (Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, South Dakota, Oklahoma)

Growth Habits: Cylidrical dark green stems, solitary or clustering, up to 8 inches tall (20 cm), up to 3 inches wide (7 cm); 13 obtuse ribs; 0 to 3 centrals, up to 0.8 inch long (2 cm); 15 stiff radials, up to 0.4 inch long (1 cm).

Watering Needs: Little water

Propagation: Seeds

This species is endangered in Texas. Echinocereus have a shallow root system. They need to be watered thoroughly in spring and summer, and then much less in winter. They will bloom only if they get enough water.
This cactus shrivels and become flat at the beginning of the winter.

Blooming Habits:
The Echinocereus has abundant lemon scented, yellow green flowers, 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm), 1 inch long (2.5 cm), in March to April. Viridiflorus translates as 'green flower'.