Beehive Cactus
Coryphantha vivipara
Last reviewed: September 2026
Coryphantha vivipara is a small clustering cactus that flowers pink to magenta from May through July. It grows in full sun on dry, rocky or sandy soils across grasslands, plains, and foothill habitats.
Toxicity unknown
Beehive Cactus (Coryphantha vivipara) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, KS and 11 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Beehive cactus is a small, barrel-shaped native succulent that forms neat clumps close to the ground. It produces bright yellow to pink flowers in late spring and summer, followed by small red fruits. This hardy perennial requires minimal water and thrives in dry, arid environments.
Growing Beehive Cactus
Grow Beehive Cactus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 8 inches tall and spread 2 to 8 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beehive Cactus takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Cactus spines pose safety concerns in high-traffic areas
- Many HOAs prohibit cacti in front yards
- May be perceived as too xeric or informal for traditional landscaping
Wildlife value
The colorful blooms attract native bees and beetles during the summer flowering period. The small fruits provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does beehive cactus bloom?
- Coryphantha vivipara generally flowers from May through July, with cup shaped pink to magenta blooms opening during the day.
- What pollinates beehive cactus?
- Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the flowers of Coryphantha vivipara during its late spring and summer bloom period.
- How much water does beehive cactus need?
- This cactus needs very little supplemental water once established and prefers dry, fast draining soil over consistently moist conditions.
- What light does beehive cactus prefer?
- Beehive cactus grows best in full sun and can handle some light shade during the hottest part of the afternoon in low elevation, high heat sites.
- Is Beehive Cactus HOA-friendly?
- Beehive Cactus takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Beehive Cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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