San Diego Barrel Cactus

Scientific Name: Ferocactus viridescens (Torr. & A.Gray) Britton & Rose
Synonym: Echinocactus orcuttii, Echinocactus viridescens, Ferocactus orcuttii, Ferocactus viridescens var. orcuttii
Family: Cactaceae

Frost Tolerance: Some frost

Origin: USA (southern California), Mexico (northern Baja California)

Growth Habits: Solitary, sometimes wider than tall, stem 6 to 12 (to 18) inches tall (15-30-45 cm), 8 to 15 inches in diameter (20 to 38 cm); 13 to 21 ribs; 4 or more red central spines, turning gray as they age, the lower one stronger, 1.2 to 1.8 inches long (3-4.5 cm); 9 to 20 radials, 0.5 to 0.8 inch long (12-20 mm).

Propagation: Seeds

Blooming Habits:
Greenish yellow flowers in early summer, 1.2 to 1.8 inches long (3-4.5 cm). Red fruit, acid, 0.6 to 0.8 inch long (15-20 mm). Seeds 1.6 mm long.