Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus, Golden Ball, Mother-in-Law's Cushion)
Michael's Opinion
A 'red-listed' CITES protected endangered species but widely available in cultivation.
Botanical Information
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinocactus |
| Species | grusonii |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Origin | Central Mexico. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 11a - 11b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | 5 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 40 - 50 |
| Height | 60 - 90 cm |
| Spread | 90 - 120 cm |
| Growth | Medium |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Spherical and elongated. |
| Landscape | Container planting, desert and rock gardens. |
| Propagation | Dividing and woody stem cuttings and seed. |
| Cultivation | Full sun and partial-shade. Well-drained soils with a pH of 6.1 - 7.8 (mildly acidic, neutral and mildly alkaline). Drought tolerant. |
| Pests | Basal stem rot, soft rot and mealybugs. |
| Notable Specimens | Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Kings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia. |
| Habitat | Semi-desert matorral, among volcanic rocks and slopes. |
| Leaf Description | Stems that bear 20 - 40 sharply angled ribs. Large, thick, spiky quills that are 5 - 8 cm long. |
| Flower Description | Small flowers appear in summer around the crown of the plant but only after about twenty years. |
| Colour Description | The stems are bright green. Yellow areoles that produce golden yellow spines. The flowers are bright yellow. |
Photographs
Echinocerus grusonii, form.
Echinocerus grusonii.
Echinocerus grusonii, form.
Echinocerus grusonii, form.
Echinocerus grusonii, seedlings.
Awards
