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Compass Barrel Cactus
Scientific Name: Ferocactus cylindraceus (Engelm.) Orcutt
Synonym: Echinocactus viridescens var. cylindraceus, Echinocactus cylindraceus, Ferocactus acanthodes, Echinocactus acanthodes, Echinocactus hertrichii, Thelocactus hertrichii, Ferocactus rostii, Ferocactus acanthodes var. rostii, Echinocactus rostii, Echinocactus acanthodes var. rostii
Family: Cactaceae

Show Larger Picture A Compass Barrel Cactus blooming around May-June

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 8-24 USDA: 9-10 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 20° F. (-7°C) Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Sun Exposure: Needs full sun Origin: Southwest USA(Arizona, California), northern Mexico (Sonora, Baja California) at 2000 to 5000 feet elevation (600-1500 m) Growth Habits: Solitary, grows slowly to 8 feet tall (2.4 m), 14 inches in diameter (35 cm); 18 to 25 obtuse ribs; Areoles are 0.6 to 0.8 inches apart (1.5 to 2 cm); 1 to 4 central spines, generally 2 are longer, one upper and one lower, curved but not hooked, 3 to 4.5 inches long (7.5-11 cm); 6 to 12 white spreading radial spines, 0.8 to 1.6 inches (2-4 cm). Watering Needs: Little water in a moderately rich, well drained soil. Ferocacti die easily with too much water or not enough sun. Propagation: Seeds

The Compass Barrel Cactus grows slanted in the direction of the south. This is due to the fact that the northern side in the cactus, somewhat protected from the sun grows faster than the south side. The picture is taken from the south side.

The different varieties are distinguished by the shape and color of the spines, although the spine color can vary widely within the same population.

Cultural Practices:
Ferocactus cylindraceus needs little water in a moderately rich, well drained soil. Ferocacti die easily with too much water or not enough sun. They come from an area that receives winter rain, so some limited rain in early spring is fine, but in habitat, the soil around them is bone dry most of the year.

Blooming Habits:
The Compass Barrel has yellow or orange flowers in may through August, 1.6 to 2 cm (4-5 cm).

References:
Dry Climate Gardening With Succulents : The Huntington Botanical Gardens

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