Ferocactus covillei (Ferocactus emoryi)
Common: Coville barrel, Sonoran barrel
Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Sonora, Mexico. Also occurs in southern Arizona and is common in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Found on rocky hills and gravelly flats between 1,500 and 3,500 feet in elevation.
Temperature: Hardy to about 15 degrees F.
Light: Needs full sun
Soil: Provide well-drained soil
Water: Supplemental watering would be advisable only during extended drought. Very drought tolerant thanks to its succulent tissue.
Provides extra color to cactus and succulent gardens. Rounded form would stand out when contrasted with spiky plants such as Yuccas or the fine-textured foliage of the creosote bush and the whitethorn acacia.
Can be planted in a pot to make a fine patio accent. Rounded form reaching 5-6 feet tall with diameter of 2 feet. Thick green skin supports clusters of 2-inch long hooked central spines with smaller radial spines. Spines are reddish, turning gray with maturity. Yellow, orange and maroon flowers to 2 inches wide bloom atop the plant from June to August.
Flowers develop into yellow oval fruits, 2 inches long. Leave enough distance from high circulation areas when planting.