Ferocactus Species, Mexican Fire Barrel, Mexican Lime Cactus, Viznaga de Lima
Ferocactuspilosus

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Ferocactus (fer-oh-KAK-tus)
Species: pilosus (pil-OH-sus)

Synonym:Ferocactus pilosus var. pilosus

Synonym:Ferocactus pilosus var. stainesii

Synonym:Ferocactus piliferus

Synonym:Echinocactus piliferus

Synonym:Ferocactus stainesii

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage

Foliage Color

Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
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
Red
Bright Yellow

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 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