Pachycereus pringlei (Mexican Cardon or Elephant Cactus)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusPachycereus
Speciespringlei
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginSouthern California, United States of America to Northwestern Mexico.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10 - 12
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2 - H1b
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)7
Temperature (°F)42
Height18 m
Spread1 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril, May, June

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright columnar.
LandscapeArid gardens, rock gardens, as an accent plant, borders, as a potted patio or indoor plant or as a specimen.
PropagationBy seed.
CultivationPlant in loose, well-draining cactus mix or gravelly soils under full to partial sun. Requires little to no water and is drought-tolerant.
Notable SpecimensDesert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America. Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatArid rocky plains.
Bark/Stem DescriptionColumnar bodies, carrying 10 - 20 ribs, branching out and extending outward from the base to up to 3 m upward. Trunk erect, 60 cm - 1 m in diameter carrying from 3 - 30 columns at maturity.
Flower DescriptionWhite flowers that bloom at night and are 8 cm long.
Colour DescriptionMedium green to deep sage green succulent flesh. Tan to pale brown spots in areas of decay, damage or age. Pale cream to greyish-brown spines.
Texture DescriptionCoarse.

Photographs