Echinocereus Species, Claret Cup Hedgehog

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw E. triglochidiatus ‘inermis’ for the first time here in the deserts of Southern Utah. This is...Read More probably THE most beautiful cactus native to Utah, besides maybe the California Barrel Cactus (sorry nothing can beat that). This subspecies of mojavensis is almost completely spineless, and it absolutely gives one the feeling of a tropical cactus from Central, or South America. Or possibly even some kind of Euphorbia from Africa. This is basically a Cactus collectors dream come true, but it is sadly pretty rare in cultivation due to its endangered status. This subspecies only grows in a select few locations throughout the Southwestern United States, and Mexico. From everywhere I can see online, Utah has the biggest, and healthiest population there is. They absolutely dotted the hillsides in the particular location I first explored in San Juan County, Utah. I have only seen them in about 5 other places across the state, but I’m sure there are many populations I/ other humans don’t know about. This is a MUST HAVE cactus for the garden if you can get your hands on one!

This variety has shorter spines and shorter stems. It is also an endangered species.