# San Diego Barrel Cactus (*Ferocactus viridescens*) The San Diego Barrel Cactus is a round, spiky plant that grows in the desert. It has beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and can store water to survive in dry places. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Desert ![San Diego Barrel Cactus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ferocactus_viridescens_1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferocactus_viridescens_1.jpg) ## Appearance The San Diego Barrel Cactus is a stout, globe-shaped to cylindrical plant with distinctive deep green ribs and formidable reddish-brown to yellow spines. Its crown often features vibrant yellow to orange-red flowers, making it stand out against arid landscapes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Cactaceae - **Genus:** Ferocactus ## Interesting facts - Its ripe fruit is called 'cactus candy,' a tasty, spiky desert treat! - Native Americans used this cactus for food and for making practical tools! - Spines help collect morning dew and rainwater, directing it to the cactus roots! - This cactus can live for many decades, seeing many seasons come and go! ## Special abilities - **Spiny Shield:** This cactus has long, sharp spines that protect it from hungry animals and provide shade for its delicate skin. - **Sun-Smart Shape:** Its barrel shape helps it minimize sun exposure and maximize internal water storage, keeping it cool. - **Seed Sprinkler:** After blooming, its fruit splits at the base to release seeds gradually, scattering them over time. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 30-60 cm - **Spread:** 20-30 cm - **Flower Size:** 4-6 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring to early summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Gathers nectar and pollen from its bright flowers. - **Pollinates:** [Anise swallowtail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/anise-swallowtail) (*Papilio zelicaon*) — Visits flowers, helping move pollen between plants. - **Eaten by:** [Deer mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-mouse) (*Peromyscus maniculatus*) — Consumes its seeds and fruit, aiding seed dispersal. - **Eaten by:** [Mule deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Browses on succulent parts during drought conditions. - **Shelter:** [Dusky-footed woodrat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dusky-footed-woodrat) (*Neotoma fuscipes*) — Often builds nests near cactus, using spines for defense. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Be careful around cacti! Their spines can be sharp and prick you. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify San Diego Barrel Cactus? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is San Diego Barrel Cactus? 30-60 cm ### How wide does San Diego Barrel Cactus spread? 20-30 cm ### How big are the flowers on San Diego Barrel Cactus? 4-6 cm ### When does San Diego Barrel Cactus bloom? Spring to early summer ### Is San Diego Barrel Cactus edible? Yes ### Is San Diego Barrel Cactus toxic? None ### What is San Diego Barrel Cactus's lifecycle? Perennial ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [San Diego Barrel Cactus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/san-diego-barrel-cactus)