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Coville's Barrel

Ferocactus emoryi

Details & Attributes


Plant Type(s) Cacti
Native to Arizona Yes!
Water Needs Low
Sun Full sun
Pollinators Bees
Has Spines Yes
Size
In relative feet, width by height
2-3' × 2-3'
Flowering Season July-September
Flower Color Typically red
Minimum Temperature Range 18-20 °F
Leaf Description Spines
Fruit Yellow, filled with a juicy pulp and abundant black seeds. Fruit has a slightly bitter flavor
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Description Coville's barrel is the least widespread of our 3 native barrel cacti and can be seen in the south central portions of the state, notably at Organ Pipe National Monument. This is a smaller plant than F. wislizeni, typically only reaching about 3'. This species lacks the abundant bristly white spines of our other native barrel cacti, and has striking red flowers which make it relatively simple to discern. Coville's barrel may be less cold tolerant than other native barrel cacti, and is therefore primarily suitable for low elevation gardens. Worth growing in the ground or as a potted specimen for the gaudy blooms, large spines, and drought tolerance.