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golden barrel cactus
ExplorePlants
golden barrel cactus
Kroenleinia grusonii
The golden barrel cactus is a round, spiky plant that can grow very big! It has bright yellow spines that look like sunshine and loves to live in hot, dry places.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The golden barrel cactus is a spherical to barrel-shaped plant covered in dense, bright golden-yellow spines arranged in neat rows along its prominent ribs. Its large, round body can grow quite tall, making it look like a spiky, golden sphere.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusKroenleinia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's sometimes called 'mother-in-law's cushion' because of its round, spiky, and somewhat firm appearance!
Its bright golden spines change color, turning paler as the cactus gets older!
This giant cactus can grow to be over three feet tall and weigh hundreds of pounds!
Wild golden barrel cacti can live for an incredible 100 years or even longer in their natural home!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Reservoir
The golden barrel cactus stores vast amounts of water in its thick stem, helping it survive long droughts in dry desert lands.
Ability
Spiny Shield
It has many sharp, golden spines that protect it from hungry animals and shade its skin from intense sun.
Ability
Sun Follower
Young golden barrels often lean towards the south, helping their sensitive growing tip avoid harsh direct sunlight.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late Spring to Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Buzzing around its yellow summer flowers
eaten by
Desert Cottontail
Sylvilagus audubonii
Might nibble on young cacti or flowers
shelters
Collared Lizard
Crotaphytus collaris
Hides under mature cacti for shade and protection
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
Mother-in-law's Cushion
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to touch the spines, as they can poke you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is golden barrel cactus?
30-100 cm
How wide does golden barrel cactus spread?
30-100 cm
How big are the flowers on golden barrel cactus?
2-3 cm
When does golden barrel cactus bloom?
Late Spring to Summer
Is golden barrel cactus edible?
No
Is golden barrel cactus toxic?
None
What is golden barrel cactus's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is golden barrel cactus pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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