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Compass Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus Cylindraceus

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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

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Photos (158)

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — which are particularly attractive to pollinators

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — growing up to 10 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter; spiny surface.<br><br>Growing at a moderate, image 127

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Adds vertical interest and dramatic texture to arid landscapes

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — with the cactus showcasing yellow to orange-red flowers near the crown

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — vibrant yellow to red spines; cactus for deep shade or full, image 79

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — These blossoms potentially give way to yellow fruits; and showy yellow flowers emerging late, image 119

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — vibrant yellow to red spines; cactus for deep shade or full, image 104

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Its commanding presence and hardy nature call for minimal intervention; these blossoms, image 71

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — These blossoms potentially give way to yellow fruits; and showy yellow flowers emerging late, image 69

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — a unique characteristic that aids in sun exposure and heat dissipation

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — cactus with orange and yellow blooms

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Its commanding presence and hardy nature call for minimal intervention; these blossoms, image 121

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — It's known for its cylindrical shape; which are particularly attractive to pollinators, image 53

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — commonly known as the Compass Barrel Cactus; is a striking and sculptural element suitable for, image 134

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Adds vertical interest and dramatic texture to arid landscapes; it's known for its cylindrical, image 83

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — providing a dramatic texture and deterring wildlife.<br><br>Spring and summer usher in its, image 41

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 111

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — Requires full sun and well-draining soil; a unique characteristic that aids in sun exposure and, image 106

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — a unique characteristic that aids in sun exposure and heat dissipation; plant in full sun and, image 89

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — the Compass Barrel Cactus is named for its tendency to lean southward in hotter climates, image 113

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — growing up to 10 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — cactus for deep shade or full

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — cactus with orange and yellow blooms; the plant features 13 to 21 ribs adorned with heavy spines, image 99

Compass Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Cylindraceus) — with a diameter of 18 to 30 inches; requires full sun and well-draining soil, image 137

Photographs by 14 contributors

Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C.,…, CC BY 2.0 · source
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
John Owens (talk), CC BY 2.5 · source
John Rusk from Berkeley, CC BY 2.0 · source
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Consultaplantas, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
SonoranDesertNPS from Tucson, Arizona, CC BY 2.0 · source
Kevin Gepford, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
$1LENCE D00600D, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Prahlad balaji, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Ewen Roberts from San Diego, CC BY 2.0 · source
Alex Abair, CC BY 4.0 · source
Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 · source

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