Pachycereus Species, Golden Fleece, Military Cap, Teddy-Bear Cactus
Pachycereusmilitaris

Synonym:Cereus militaris

Synonym:Pachycereus chrysomallus

Synonym:Cereus chrysomallus

Synonym:Backebergia militaris

Synonym:Cephalocereus chrysomallus

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage

Foliage Color

Height
30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
over 40 ft. (12 m)

Spacing
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Rose/Mauve
Cream/Tan

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored