Ferocactus wislizenii (Fishhook Barrel Cactus) is a solitary, barrel-shaped to columnar cactus with 13-25 prominent ribs adorned with areoles sprouting straight and hooked spines, 1-3 in. long (2-7 cm). The dense cover of spines gives the plant a yellow or reddish color. Bright yellow, red, or orange flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), bloom sporadically in late spring and profusely in summer and early fall. They form a showy ring at the top of the plant. The flowers are followed by fleshy, pineapple-shaped fruits, 2 in. long (5 cm), which persist atop the cactus over the cool months. They attract birds and small mammals. Over time, Fishhook Barrel Cactus often leans towards the southwest. Stout, slow-growing, and long-lived (50-130 years), Fishhook Barrel Cactus provides year-round interest and looks smart paired with wildflowers in any desert garden setting.

• Slowly grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Exceptional specimens can reach 10 ft. in height (300 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Water regularly when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Do not wet the body of this plant while in sunlight to avoid sun burning, fungal infections or death. Keep the plant dry in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer 2 or 3 times in the growing season. Drought tolerant.
• Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Great in decorative containers too.
• Deer resistant. The flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds.
• Propagate by seed.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for root rot in poorly drained soils.
• Native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Mexico