Echinocerus engelmannii

Hedgehog Cactus, Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus

Accent

This spreading evergreen cactus reaches one foot high with up to 30 three-inch wide stems clumping from the base. The flexible spines are two to three inches long and cover green stems.

Temperature

Hardy to 15F.

Water requirements

Little once established.

Sun

Full sun.

Soil

Tolerant. Good drainage.

Maintenance

None.

Disadvantages

Spiny. Slow growth rate.

Bloom

One of the first to bloom in spring, it produces 2.5-inch wide magenta flowers over a period of three to four weeks any time between February and May.

Fruit or Seeds

Red, spine-covered oval fruits are one inch long and taste like strawberries, thus its common name.

Uses

Container. Near walkway for best display.

Origin

Native to Sonoran Desert. Member of the Cactaceae family.

Cultivars

Various. Shown here are (above) 'Engelmannii' and (left) 'Acicularis.'

Themes

Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Edible.

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