Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Echinocereus

Species:

Echinocereus polyacanthus

USDA Symbol:

ECPO6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

red, orange, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained sandy soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require warm temperatures (70-80°F) and light for germination. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI