Ferocactus viridescens
San diego barrel cactus, San Diego Barrel Cactus
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Cactaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Ferocactus viridescens (San diego barrel cactus) is a native California shrub in the Cactaceae family, recognized by No sympatric species; geographically isolated coastal distribution, CNPS 2B.1 ranking.
San diego barrel cactus is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native perennial found in San Diego County in sandy to rocky areas at elevations of 10 to 150 meters. Flowering from May to June, this distinctive cactus produces yellow to red-brown flowers with inner perianth occasionally marked by red-brown midstripes. Growing as a depressed-spheric to cylindric stem generally not taller than wide, it features 10 to 24 dramatic spines that spread outward in shades of red, pink, or yellow, which age to gray or yellow. Its stems are adorned with striking straight or slightly curved spines that create a formidable and sculptural appearance in its native landscape. The fruit develops yellow to nearly red, adding further visual interest to this robust desert species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: No sympatric species; geographically isolated coastal distribution, CNPS 2B.1 ranking
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy to rocky areas
Elevation: 10-150 m
California counties: San Diego
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Ferocactus viridescens blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
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 viridescens native to California?
Yes. Ferocactus viridescens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ferocactus viridescens bloom?
Ferocactus viridescens blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Ferocactus viridescens grow?
Ferocactus viridescens occurs in San Diego, at elevations of 10-150 m.
What plant family does Ferocactus viridescens belong to?
Ferocactus viridescens is in the Cactaceae family, genus Ferocactus.
Is Ferocactus viridescens rare or endangered?
Ferocactus viridescens carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S2S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.