Echonocereus engelmannii (Hedgehog Cactus)

Photographs

My photos:

This plant was at the Visitor's Center at Anza Borrego. The close-up below-left shows that you'll want to stay in its good graces! The photo below-right is from Joshua Tree.

More photos:

Calflora photo of the flower

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Cactaceae

In the garden:

Echinocereus englemannii has one to a few cylindrical, erect stems, to 1 foot tall. These stems arise from a central basal point. Spines are red, yellow, white, brown, or gray, mostly not curved or twisted, and about 3 inches in length. Flowers are crimson-magenta to paler, and occur between April and May.

In the wild:

Common on gravelly slopes and benches, below 7200 feet. It’s fruit constitutes an important food source for many birds and rodents.

Ethnobotany:

No information was found.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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