Ferocactus sp.
Barrel cactus, Barrel Cactus
(c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ · licence
Family: Cactaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Ferocactus sp. (Barrel cactus) is a native California perennial in the Cactaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Ferocactus sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Ferocactus sp. belong to?
Ferocactus sp. is in the Cactaceae family, genus Ferocactus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.