Sclerocactus sp.
Pineapple cactus, Pineapple Cactus
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Family: Cactaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Sclerocactus sp. (Pineapple cactus) is a native California perennial in the Cactaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Echinocereus: Sclerocactus flowers at tip and has hard single stem; Echinocereus flowers from sides and forms soft clusters.; vs Ferocactus: Sclerocactus is under 6 inches with spineless flower base; Ferocactus grows larger with scaly flower base.; vs Echinocactus: Sclerocactus has hard stem and spineless flower base; Echinocactus has softer stem and spiny woolly top.; vs Carnegiea: Sclerocactus is small barrel under 6 inches; Carnegiea is tree-sized columnar over 10 feet.; vs Bergerocactus: Sclerocactus is barrel-shaped wider than tall; Bergerocactus is columnar 8+ times taller than wide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sclerocactus sp. native to California?
Yes. Sclerocactus sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Sclerocactus sp. belong to?
Sclerocactus sp. is in the Cactaceae family, genus Sclerocactus.
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.