When Does a Barrel Cactus Bloom?

Ferocactus

• Ferocactus is the scientific name given to the group of cacti that are roughly squat and barrel-shaped. They bear huge spikes, which may have been what inspired Lord Britton and J.N. Rose, who first described them in 1922, to give them a name from the Latin for "fierce." Twenty-five varieties of barrel cactus exist in the world, but only about 10 are commonly seen in the United States and Mexico.

Bloom Time and Fruits

• Bloom season varies pretty widely, depending on the particular type of barrel cactus. Most bloom during summer, though some will wait until late fall or early winter to put on their show. Flowers emerge from the top of the plant and develop into fruit that varies in food value -- some are completely inedible to humans, while others are described as tangy or zesty and sweet. Barrel cacti produce flowers on old growth, so it may be several years before an individual blooms for the first time.

Bloom Colors

• Bloom colors vary significantly between varieties of barrel cacti, but most are yellow or orange. Yellow flowers emerge from F. chrysanthus, F. flavovirens, F. glaucenscens, F. potsli and F. robustus. F. cylindraceus has yellow-orange flowers, while F. echidne has lemon yellow flowers. F. fordii and F. penisulae tote red flowers. F. macrodiscus has the darkest flower, a deep red.

Barrels as Compass

• Barrel cacti have a peculiar trait that runs throughout most members of the family: They lean toward the south. This may not be apparent on young plants, but as the barrels age and grow up to around 10 feet, the effect is more pronounced. Barrel cacti are lifesavers in the desert in many ways. Their function as a compass and their ability to hold hundreds of pounds of water have made them legendary throughout Western culture.