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Ferocactus acanthodes - Compass Barrel Cactus

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Ferocactus acanthodes is a striking member of the "Cacti & Succulents" family, more popularly known as the Compass Barrel Cactus. This sturdy desert native accentuates any landscape with its robust cylindrical shape, soaring up to an impressive 10 feet tall and spreading 2 feet wide. The deep green surface is a formidable spectacle, adorned with heavy, eye-catching spines that shimmer in hues of red and yellow. Come late spring to summer, it presents a vibrant display of flowers varying from vivacious yellow to fiery red-orange. Noted for its unique quirk, the Compass Barrel Cactus is known to tilt towards the south, earning its remarkable moniker. With an incredible ability to thrive under full sun and minimal need for water, this low-maintenance and hardy plant is an exemplary selection for modern, water-conscious landscapes, lending a touch of enduring beauty and fascinating texture with ease.

  • Size: Up to 10 feet tall and 2 feet wide
  • Flowers: Vivid yellow to red-orange flowers in late spring to summer
  • Foliage: Green surface covered with heavy, reddish-yellow spines
  • Water usage: Very low
  • Sun exposure: Full sun
  • Unique Characteristic: Tends to lean towards the south ("compass cactus")
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