Desert Valley Fishhook Cactus

Sclerocactus spinosior

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cactaceae
Genus:
Sclerocactus
Species:
Sclerocactus spinosior
USDA Symbol:
SCSP2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
45 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
pink, magenta, white, yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
gritty, well-drained sandy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Germination can be erratic and improved by cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Scarify, then cold-moist stratify for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI