Baker Kingcup Cactus

echinocereus bakeri

The Baker Kingcup Cactus, scientifically known as Echinocereus bakeri, is a spectacular succulent native to the arid rocky slopes of the southwestern United States. Forming dense, multi-stemmed mounds, this resilient cactus is highly celebrated for its spectacular spring display. During the blooming season, it erupts with brilliant, cup-shaped scarlet flowers that stand in sharp contrast to the harsh, dusty desert floor. These showy blooms are not just a visual treat; they act as a crucial early-season nectar source for returning hummingbirds and native bees. Adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor soils and under intense sunlight, this species showcases the incredible resourcefulness of desert flora. Gardeners and nature enthusiasts cherish the Baker Kingcup Cactus for its rugged beauty, extreme frost tolerance, and ability to thrive where few other plants can survive.

Habitat: Typically found growing on rocky limestone slopes, gravelly ledges, and sandstone canyon walls in desert scrublands.

Appearance

This cactus grows in dense, cushion-like clumps consisting of several dozen cylindrical, pale green to bluish-green stems. Each stem stands upright, reaching up to 40 centimeters in height, and is marked by 8 to 11 pronounced ribs. These ribs are adorned with clusters of needle-like spines, with yellowish-brown central spines and paler radial spines spreading outward. In late spring, the plant produces magnificent funnelform, cup-shaped flowers that are vibrant orange-red to deep scarlet, measuring up to 8 centimeters across. The flowers feature bright green stigma lobes at their centers, surrounded by numerous pollen-dusted stamens.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusEchinocereus

Baker Kingcup Cactus

Interesting facts

Its flowers remain open both day and night for several days, unlike many other desert cacti whose blooms only last a single day.

Native Americans historically used the boiled stems of related Echinocereus species as a traditional sweet treat or for medicinal heart remedies.

The common name 'Kingcup' refers to the bright, chalice-like shape of its brilliant red flowers.

Special abilities

Utilizes Crassulacean Acid Metabolism to open its stomata only at night, significantly reducing water loss during the heat of the day.

Withstands freezing winter temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius by actively dehydrating its cells to prevent ice crystal damage.

Forms dense, multi-headed mounds that shade their own bases and collect moisture, creating a self-sustaining microclimate.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-40 cm
Weight: 0.5-6 kg
Lifespan: 20-60 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own sugars from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals through its shallow root system.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

Pollinates the flowers while feeding on nectar.

eaten by

Desert Woodrat

Neotoma lepida

Feeds on the cactus stems and fruits, occasionally using the spiny mounds for nesting shelter.

mutualism

Halictid Bee

Lasioglossum pectoraloides

Collects pollen from the flowers, assisting in cross-pollination.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Baker Kingcup Cactus?

The easiest way to identify Baker Kingcup Cactus is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Baker Kingcup Cactus?

10-40 cm

How much does Baker Kingcup Cactus weigh?

0.5-6 kg

How long does Baker Kingcup Cactus live?

20-60 years

What does Baker Kingcup Cactus eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own sugars from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals through its shallow root system.

Where is Baker Kingcup Cactus usually found?

Typically found growing on rocky limestone slopes, gravelly ledges, and sandstone canyon walls in desert scrublands.