Snyder Preserve - Echinocereus engelmannii
Photos by Addie Leimroth
Family: Cactaceae
Compound: Ech eng
Synonyms: Cereus engelmannii, Cereus munzii, Echinocereus engelmannii var. acicularis, Echinocereus engelmannii var. armatus, Echinocereus engelmannii var. chrysocentrus, Echinocereus engelmannii var. howei, Echinocereus engelmannii var. munzii
Geographic Origin: southwestern US, northwestern MX
Characteristics: An upright cactus consisting of 1 to 60 stems. Each stem is typically between 1.5-7.6cm (1-3in) in diameter and has 10-13 ribs. These ribs have lightly distinct tubercles, each tipped with an areole. Areoles possess 6-14 radial spines and 4-6 central spines which vary in color from white to yellow to black. In some cases, spines near the top of each stem are lighter in color than the older spines near the base which can fade to black with age. Typically one of the first cacti to flower in spring, producing large 5-7.6cm (2-3in) showy magenta flowers with a notable green stigma. The flower color may vary in a single population ranging from pale to dark pink. The flowers open during the heat of the day and close at night, only lasting about 5 days. The fruits follow in late spring to early summer after flowers are pollinated. They are fleshy, spherical, and smooth, featuring many areoles and spines which fall off easily when ripe. This is a highly variable species and can be difficult to distinguish from related species.
Natural History: Found in sandy to rocky soils in a variety of habitats, typically Sonoran Desert scrub between 610- 1525m (2,000-5,000ft) in elevation.
Cultivation Notes: Easily grown from seed or offsets. Full sun to partial shade and infrequent, but deep waterings are preferred. When planted in the ground, a well-draining location below a tree or shrub is recommended.
For general cactus and succulent propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Fruit can be eaten raw or boiled. In modern landscaping, the plant is favored for its low water usage and visual appeal. Large plants can produce so many flowers that the stems are completely obscured by a mass of pink petals. The fruit and flowers are also beneficial to the wildlife in your yard.
Citations:
Mielke, Judy. Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. University of Texas Press, 1993.
Llifle. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
https://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/7972/Echinocereus_engelmannii
Southwest Desert Flora. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
https://southwestdesertflora.com/WebsiteFolders/All_Species/Cactaceae/Ec... engelmannii, Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus.html
Arizona Sate University. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
https://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant html files/echinocereusengelmannii.html
California Native Plant Society. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
https://calscape.org/Echinocereus-engelmannii-(Calico-Cactus)
SEINet Arizona – New Mexico Chapter. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=3417
