Fishhook cactus
Mammillaria dioica
Last reviewed: September 2026
Fishhook cactus (Mammillaria dioica) is a perennial succulent native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw native bees.
Toxicity unknown
Fishhook cactus (Mammillaria dioica) 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
4"–10" H × 4"–10" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A small, cylindrical to globe-shaped cactus covered in dense hooked spines, often clustering into small groups. Pale pink flowers ring the top of the plant in spring, followed by bright red fruit.
Growing Fishhook cactus
Grow Fishhook cactus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 10 inches tall and spread 4 to 10 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its flowers provide pollen for native bees, and the fruit is eaten by birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Fishhook cactus need?
- Fishhook cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Fishhook cactus bloom?
- Fishhook cactus blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Fishhook cactus native?
- Fishhook cactus (Mammillaria dioica) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Fishhook cactus attract?
- Fishhook cactus draws native bees.
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 Fishhook cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.