Devil's Tongue Barrel, Crow's Claw Cactus, Fish Hook Cactus
Ferocactus latispinus
| Family: | Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Ferocactus (fer-oh-KAK-tus) (Info) |
| Species: | latispinus (la-TYE-spin-uss) (Info) |
| Synonym: | Ferocactus latispinus subsp. latispinus |
| Synonym: | Ferocactus nobilis |
| Synonym: | Ferocactus latispinus var. greenwoodii |
| Synonym: | Ferocactus recurvus |
| Synonym: | Bisnaga recurva subsp. latispina |
View this plant in a gardenCategory:
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Evergreen
Foliage Color:
Blue-Green
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Suitable for growing in containers
Danger:
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:
Medium Purple
Cream/Tan
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Grenoble,
Benson, Arizona
Chandler, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona
Peoria, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Queen Creek, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona (2 reports)
August, California
Davis, California
El Macero, California
Garden Grove, California
Hayward, California
Hesperia, California
Oceanside, California
San Diego, California
Sherman Oaks, California
Las Vegas, Nevada
Austin, Texas
Marble Falls, Texas
Midland, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Apr 18, 2015, Mark_B from Garden Grove, CA wrote: Can tolerate winters down into the 30's (Fahrenheit), but keep the soil dry. |
| Positive | On Sep 1, 2014, Cereuspete from Tucson, AZ wrote: Have been cultivating this species for close to thirty years, and throughout that time, it has become one of my favorites. I first encountered it as a potted, indoor / outdoor specimen plant when I resided in Maryland. Upon moving to Benson, AZ (at an elevation of 4,000') I planted several, all of which survived even the coldest of winters. |
| Positive | On Oct 11, 2011, sherizona from Peoria, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: This is a great cactus, but the older it gets the less attractive it looks. In other words, unlike many other types of cactus this one doesn't age all that well. Young ones tend to produce the best blooms, at least they do out here in the desert. |
| Neutral | On Oct 14, 2005, cactus_lover from FSD, This Ferocactus is quite likely to flower,but usually only if the weather is warm and sunny. |
| Neutral | On Apr 19, 2005, Xenomorf from Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: As of 2001 the 'latispinus variety' has now become the 'latispinus subspecies'. |
| Positive | On Feb 25, 2004, palmbob from Acton, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: Great looking color on this plant when young- gets a bit duller as it ages. Flowers can sometimes be a deep purple to dark magenta and quite striking. Thick thick spines on this one, that hook around and graph you if you get too close. From Mexico |
| Neutral | On Jun 15, 2001, Amari from Austin, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: With age, the red or straw spines of this slow-growing, ball-shaped or flat-topped, globular plant become broad and hooked and lie flat against the body. Cream to purple flowers appear in spring or autumn. |
