Golden snake cactus
Bergerocactus emoryi
Last reviewed: September 2026
Golden snake cactus (Bergerocactus emoryi) is a perennial succulent native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Golden snake cactus (Bergerocactus emoryi) 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
12"–36" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
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A clustering, spiny cactus with slender golden-spined stems that sprawl and pile up into large mounded clumps on coastal bluffs. Produces bright yellow flowers followed by spiny edible fruit.
Growing Golden snake cactus
Grow Golden snake cactus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Flowers attract native bees, and the dense spiny clumps provide cover for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Golden snake cactus need?
- Golden snake cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Golden snake cactus bloom?
- Golden snake cactus blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Golden snake cactus native?
- Golden snake cactus (Bergerocactus emoryi) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Golden snake cactus attract?
- Golden snake cactus draws bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Golden snake cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.