Echinocereus mojavensis
Mojave kingcup cactus
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Family: Cactaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Echinocereus mojavensis (Mojave kingcup cactus) is a native California shrub in the Cactaceae family, recognized by larger dense mounds, tubercle prominence, and narrow funnel flowers.
Mojave kingcup cactus is a California native perennial found in the Sonoran Border, White and Inyo Mountains, and desert regions in dry habitats at elevations of 150 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this cactus produces large funnel-shaped flowers in vibrant colors. Growing in dense mounds up to one meter wide, it forms clusters of cylindrical stems 5 to 40 centimeters long with 5 to 12 distinct ribs. Its stems are covered in highly variable gray spines, with 3 to 11 spines per areole, often curved or curly and sometimes twisted. The cactus creates striking clusters with spheric to cylindric stems that feature prominently tubercled ribs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by larger dense mounds, tubercle prominence, and narrow funnel flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry habitats
Elevation: 150-3000 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona
Bloom period
Echinocereus mojavensis blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Cylindropuntia: Echinocereus has soft clustering stems; Cylindropuntia has firm jointed segments with papery spine sheaths.; vs Homalocephala: Echinocereus clusters with soft flesh and side flowers; Homalocephala stays single with hard flesh.; vs Ferocactus: Echinocereus flowers from stem sides and forms clusters; Ferocactus flowers at top and stays single.; vs Opuntia: Echinocereus has cylindrical clustering stems; Opuntia has flat paddle-shaped segments.; vs Echinopsis: Echinocereus has spiny scaly flower base; Echinopsis has smooth naked flower base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Echinocereus mojavensis native to California?
Yes. Echinocereus mojavensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Echinocereus mojavensis bloom?
Echinocereus mojavensis blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Echinocereus mojavensis grow?
Echinocereus mojavensis occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, at elevations of 150-3000 m.
What plant family does Echinocereus mojavensis belong to?
Echinocereus mojavensis is in the Cactaceae family, genus Echinocereus.
What habitat does Echinocereus mojavensis grow in?
Echinocereus mojavensis grows in dry habitats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.