Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Compass Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus Cylindraceus

Design with this plant

Overview

The Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) is a striking desert native, growing up to 10 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter. It's known for its cylindrical shape, vibrant yellow to red spines, and showy yellow flowers emerging late spring to summer. Requires full sun and well-draining soil. Minimal water needs once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for xeriscaping. Adds vertical interest and dramatic texture to arid landscapes. Zones 9-11.

Sun Deep Shade, FullWater Very LowZones 9–10Type CactusClimate Arid
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — with a diameter of 18 to 30 inches; requires full sun and well-draining soil, image 87

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Cactus
Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (158)

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — cactus with orange and yellow blooms; the plant features 13 to 21 ribs adorned with heavy spines, image 124
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — The Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) is a striking desert native; vibrant yellow, image 101
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Requires full sun and well-draining soil; a unique characteristic that aids in sun exposure and, image 131
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — It's known for its cylindrical shape; which are particularly attractive to pollinators, image 128
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — vibrant yellow to red spines; cactus for deep shade or full, image 54
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — the Compass Barrel Cactus is named for its tendency to lean southward in hotter climates, image 63
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Adds vertical interest and dramatic texture to arid landscapes; it's known for its cylindrical, image 133
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Requires full sun and well-draining soil; a unique characteristic that aids in sun exposure and heat
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — commonly known as the Compass Barrel Cactus; is a striking and sculptural element suitable for xeriscaped and
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — These blossoms potentially give way to yellow fruits; and showy yellow flowers emerging late, image 94
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Minimal water needs once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for xeriscaping; its, image 82
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — with the cactus showcasing yellow to orange-red flowers near the crown; providing a dramatic, image 92
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — with a diameter of 18 to 30 inches
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — growing up to 10 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter; spiny surface.<br><br>Growing at a moderate pace to
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — spiny surface.<br><br>Growing at a moderate pace to heights of 6 to 10 feet; cactus with orange, image 136
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Minimal water needs once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for xeriscaping; its, image 57
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Its commanding presence and hardy nature call for minimal intervention
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — The plant features 13 to 21 ribs adorned with heavy spines that can reach lengths of up to 4, image 65
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — with the cactus showcasing yellow to orange-red flowers near the crown; providing a dramatic texture and
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — cactus with orange and yellow blooms; the plant features 13 to 21 ribs adorned with heavy spines that can
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — and showy yellow flowers emerging late spring to summer; minimal water needs once established, making it a
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — which are particularly attractive to pollinators; orange and yellow flowers in the garden, image 118
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — is a striking and sculptural element suitable for xeriscaped and drought-tolerant landscapes; with the cactus
Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — allowing for a striking garden feature with ease; the Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus, image 122
Photographs by 13 contributors

Related plants

Argentine Saguaro (Echinopsis Terscheckii) — cactus for full

Cactus

Argentine Saguaro

Echinopsis Terscheckii

FullUSDA 9–10
Balloon Cactus (Parodia Magnifica) — cactus for full; the Balloon Cactus will enhance any landscape design with its unique shape and alluring, image 72

Cactus

Balloon Cactus

Parodia Magnifica

FullUSDA 9–11
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — and its carefree maintenance requirements will assure them of its suitability for their garden

Cactus

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia Basilaris

FullUSDA 7–11
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — It features large, flat, blue-green pads, with contrasting long black spines up to 2 inches long

Cactus

Black-Spine Prickly Pear

Opuntia Macrocentra

FullUSDA 8–11
Blue Candle (Myrtillocactus Geometrizans) — dark red fruits resembling blueberries; which transform into edible

Cactus

Blue Candle

Myrtillocactus Geometrizans

FullUSDA 9–10
Blue Cereus (Cereus Hexagonus) — offers a distinctive sculptural aesthetic to any landscape design

Cactus

Blue Cereus

Cereus Hexagonus

FullUSDA 9–10