Ferocactus cylindraceus
California barrel cactus, California Barrel Cactus
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Cactaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Ferocactus cylindraceus (California barrel cactus) is a native California shrub in the Cactaceae family, recognized by No sympatric species; geographically isolated from all other Ferocactus species.
California barrel cactus is a native perennial found in eastern Peninsular Range and desert regions, especially eastern Mojave Desert and western Sonoran Desert, in gravelly, rocky, and sandy areas at elevations of 60 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to May, this distinctive cactus produces yellow to orange flowers with inner perianth occasionally orange to red. Growing with a columnar stem taller than wide, it features 10 to 32 dramatic spines that are initially red and turn gray with age, with the longest spines often curved or hooked. Its robust structure includes impressive spines that are erect and spreading, with some recurved to nearly hooked, creating a striking silhouette in arid landscapes. The fruit is yellow, adding another layer of visual interest to this resilient desert species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: No sympatric species; geographically isolated from all other Ferocactus species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravelly, rocky, or sandy areas
Elevation: 60-1500 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial
Outside California: to southwestern Utah, Arizona, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Ferocactus cylindraceus blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Homalocephala: Ferocactus has thick ridged spines and hairless crown; Homalocephala has thin spines and woolly top.; vs Kroenleinia: Ferocactus has smooth stem tip with crosswise-ridged spines; Kroenleinia has woolly crown.; vs Echinocereus: Ferocactus is single-stemmed with flowers at top; Echinocereus clusters and flowers from sides.; vs Parodia: Ferocactus has hairless crown and thick ridged spines; Parodia has woolly top and thin spines.; vs Cochemiea: Ferocactus has ribs and hairless top; Cochemiea has tubercles (bumps) not ribs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferocactus cylindraceus native to California?
Yes. Ferocactus cylindraceus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ferocactus cylindraceus bloom?
Ferocactus cylindraceus blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Ferocactus cylindraceus grow?
Ferocactus cylindraceus occurs in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial, at elevations of 60-1500 m.
What plant family does Ferocactus cylindraceus belong to?
Ferocactus cylindraceus is in the Cactaceae family, genus Ferocactus.
What habitat does Ferocactus cylindraceus grow in?
Ferocactus cylindraceus grows in Gravelly, rocky, or sandy areas.
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.