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


Back to the Index