Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelmann) Britton & Rose
(Barrel Cactus, Fish-hook Barrel Cactus)
Family: Cactaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Echinocactus wislizeni Engelmann
Ferocactus wislizeni is a large barrel cactus with flattened, strongly hooked stiff spines that can
be dangerous if touched. The petals are yellow orange becoming nearly red more centrally. The flowers are
arranged in a ring around the top of the cactus, with the previous year's flower scars usually easily visible.
The fruits are cylindrical yellow berries appearing like eggs in a nest at the apex of the cactus.
The spines are arranged on vertical ridges around the cactus. Ferocactus wislizeni is found in the lower
elevation deserts areas, as well as lower elevation hillsides. It is usually found in areas in which Echinocereus
fendleri can also be found. Cactus rustling of this cactus is a problem locally and elsewhere.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Ferocactus wislizeni, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Mar. 4, 2006
Ferocactus wislizeni, different individual, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Apr. 3, 2005
Ferocactus wislizeni, in bloom, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Aug. 12, 2008
Ferocactus wislizeni, detail of flowers & fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Aug. 12, 2008
Ferocactus wislizeni, detail of flowers & fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Aug. 12, 2008
Ferocactus wislizeni, closeup of fruit from a plant bought from Boyce Thompson Arboretum, photo Russ Kleinman, December 2, 2009
Ferocactus wislizeni, closeup of bissected fruit from a plant bought from Boyce Thompson Arboretum, photo Russ Kleinman, December 2, 2009
Ferocactus wislizeni, macro of seeds from a plant bought from Boyce Thompson Arboretum, photo Russ Kleinman, December 2, 2009
Ferocactus wislizeni, flowering plant in yard, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos, August 4, 2012
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