We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Barrel Cactus?

By Rebecca Cartwright
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,198
Share

Barrel cactus is the common name for the cactus species of the genus Ferocactus. The name sometimes also refers to members of the closely related Echinocactus genus. There are from 25 to 30 species of barrel cactus belonging to the Ferocactus genus and six species in the Echinocactus genus. The two groups have much the same growth habits and appearance, and both are found in the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico.

Cacti in these groups generally share the stereotypical barrel shape, though some are round or grow in clumps. They range in height from less than 1 foot (about 30 cm) to 12 feet (about 3.5 meters) and most have a pleated surface. Barrel cacti are known for their formidable spines, which range in length from 2 inches to 10 inches (about 5 cm to 25 cm). The spines, which can be straight or hooked, are white, yellow, brown or a brilliant red.

Barrel cactus flowers are stiff and funnel-shaped. The flowers, which grow from the top of the cactus, come in varying shades of white, yellow, red and purple. Many have a darker stripe down the center of their petals. Bees are the usual pollinator.

The fruits cluster at the top of the plant where the flowers grew. Most barrel cactus fruits are yellow and tube-shaped. Ferocactus fruits have a moist rind, while the rind of the Echinocactus fruit is dry. All fruits have densely packed seeds in a dry interior. Bighorn sheep, javelina, birds, rodents and deer eat the flowers and fruit of the barrel cactus, while the plants themselves are food for javelina, jackrabbits, cactus beetles and pack rats.

A true desert environment — the kind where barrel cacti are found — has minimal rainfall, quickly draining soil, very hot days and cool to cold nights. As ornamental plants they do well in USDA zones 9 through 11 with low water, good drainage and full sun. Most species will endure occasional frost. Some species live as long as 130 years, but most do not reach 100 years old.

It is commonly believed that the barrel shape of these plants indicates a reservoir of water inside that can be easily tapped by travelers, but this is not accurate. There is water in the pulp of the interior, but it is not easily extracted and is often very alkaline. Animals and those skilled at living off the land may obtain useful moisture from the plants but, in general, they are not a good source of emergency water.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-barrel-cactus.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.