Cotton Top Barrel Cactus

Echinocactus Polycephalus

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Overview

The Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus polycephalus) thrives in desert climates, featuring a compact, round shape with dense white hairs on the crown, resembling a tuft of cotton. It grows slowly, reaching 12-24 inches in height and 6-12 inches in diameter. Its gray-green body is adorned with prominent ribs lined with sharp spines. Plant in well-draining soil; full sun exposure is essential for flourishing. Hardy in USDA zones 9-10.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 9–11Climate Alpine

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — The Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus polycephalus) thrives in desert climates

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — The Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus polycephalus) thrives in desert climates

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — resembling a tuft of cotton

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — It grows slowly, reaching 12-24 inches in height and 6-12 inches in diameter

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — Its gray-green body is adorned with prominent ribs lined with sharp spines

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — scientifically named Echinocactus polycephalus

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — Plant in well-draining soil; full sun exposure is essential for flourishing

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 9–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Climate: Alpine

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Photos (18)

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — round shape with dense white hairs on the crown

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — The Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus polycephalus) thrives in desert climates

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — resembling a tuft of cotton

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — It grows slowly, reaching 12-24 inches in height and 6-12 inches in diameter

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — Its gray-green body is adorned with prominent ribs lined with sharp spines

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — scientifically named Echinocactus polycephalus

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — Plant in well-draining soil; full sun exposure is essential for flourishing

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — is an intriguing succulent that adds a rugged yet charismatic touch to any arid landscape design

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — characterized by a robust

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — globular shape that may elongate slightly with age

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — ribbed surface with 12 to 30 prominent vertical ridges.<br><br>Adorned with clusters of white

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — the Cotton Top derives its common name from this distinct feature

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — wooly areoles at the cactus's crown

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — which resembles a tuft of cotton

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — These areoles give rise to sharp

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — yellow to reddish-brown spines that can grow up to 3 inches long

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — offering a formidable protective barrier.<br><br>Native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States

Cotton Top Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Polycephalus) — Echinocactus polycephalus is well-adapted to withstand harsh conditions with minimal water requirements

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