Botanical Name: Echinocactus grusonii
Common Name: Golden barrel cactus
Type of Plant: dicot: succulent
Character evergreen
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape hemispherical to cylindrical succulent cactus with thick longitudinal ribs topped by golden curved spines; very distinctive and recognizable; occasionally creates offsets from base of trunk
Height up to 4'
Spread up to 3'
Growth Rate very slow
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoor full sun to partial shade; protect from very hard frost
Soil prefers a sandy, gritty soil with excellent drainage
Hardiness some frost, zones 12 to 24
 
Morphology:
Leaves no leaves; barrel has 21-37 ribs; spines are bright golden yellow, to 3" long in clusters of 6-10; spines turn brown on lower trunk
Flowers yellow, thistle-like flowers to 2" across in ring at the top of the barrel; occur primarily in summer
Fruit persistent wooly capsule
 
Propagation:
seed
 
Usage:
one of the most popular cacti for containers; also useful in desert landscapes, mixed succulent beds, rustic gardens and dry slopes
 
Landscape Care:
Watering likes more watering than expected for a cactus; twice monthly watering will increase growth rate and flowering
Fertilizing balanced, slow-release fertilizer every second year
Pruning none required
Pests/Diseases root rot in poorly drained soils
Special Conditions/Other transplant with 5' burlap squares for safety
 
Origin: Mexico
Family: Cactaceae

Notes:
 
PDF
Your pictures go here