Echinocereus dasyacanthus

Rainbow Cactus, Texas Rainbow Hedgehog

Accent

This cylindrical evergreen cactus is very spiny. It is usually single-stemmed but may branch to form a cluster one foot across. It reaches four to eight (to 16) inches tall and two to four inches in diameter.

Temperature

Hardy to 0F.

Water requirements

Little water when established.

Sun

Partial shade.

Soil

Tolerant.

Maintenance

None.

Disadvantages

Spines make it difficult to handle.

Bloom

Abundant yellow to pink flowers in April to May, four inches long.

Fruit or Seeds

Spiny red fruits are edible, although acidic.

Uses

Container plant.

Origin

Native of Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. Member of the Cactaceae family. "Dasyacanthus" comes from the Greek for "with dense spines." "Echino" is from the greek word for hedgehog, while "cereus" comes from the Latin for "large candle."

Themes

Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional.

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