Ferocactus pilosus

Ferocactus pilosus

Synonym: Ferocactus pringlei, Ferocactus stainesii var. pilosus
Family: Cactaceae
Common Name: Mexican fire barrel
Origin: Located in the central states of northern Mexico, including Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Coahuila, and Zacatecas, on rocky limestone hillsides.
Description: Ferocactus pilosus is a clumping, columnar cactus with red central and radial spines that are covered in numerous white bristles. The cacti possess prominent, compressed ribs and circular areoles. Red to yellow flowers are formed in late spring to summer on mature specimens receiving adequate sunlight, creating a ring on the top of the plant.

Interesting Features:
- Ferocactus pilosus is the variable form of Ferocactus pringlei, which possesses thicker red spines and very few, if any white bristles. Both forms are considered to belong to a polymorphic species with variability in appearance, making the names synonymous.
- However, F. pilosus is the currently accepted scientific name.
- Additionally, the Mexican fire barrel is virtually disease free and deer resistant.
Uses: F. pilosus has been consumed by the Hualapai, Pima, and Gila River tribes. The pulp can be boiled, the flesh eaten with mesquite pods, or the fruits consumed singly.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Low
- Water regularly during the growing season, and suspend irrigation in winter. Allow soil to fully dry out in between waterings, and do not leave in standing moisture.
Soil: Plant in average, well-drained, gritty soil, from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline (6.1 – 7.8).
Lighting: Full sun is required unless the site is very hot, then provide partial shade.
Propagation: F. pilosus can be propagated by offsets or seeds collected from over-ripe fruits.
Cold Tolerance: 25°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
Special Accommodations: The Mexican fire barrel cactus possesses sharp spines, be very careful when handling and do not place near walkways.

Sources: