Lace Cactus
Echinocereus reichenbachii
Last reviewed: October 2026
Lace Cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii) is a perennial succulent native to CO, KS, NM, OK and 1 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and beetles.
Toxicity unknown
Lace Cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii) 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
3"–9" H × 6"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CO, KS, NM, OK and 1 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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Classen's cactus is a small, compact barrel cactus that forms neat rounded clusters. It produces showy pink to magenta flowers in late spring and early summer, creating colorful displays despite its diminutive size.
Growing Lace Cactus
Grow Lace Cactus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 3 to 9 inches tall and spread 6 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lace 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 may be prohibited by HOA covenants
- Spines create safety concerns in public areas
- May be perceived as too xeric for traditional landscapes
Wildlife value
The bright flowers attract native bees and beetles during the blooming period. Its small size limits its overall wildlife impact compared to larger cacti species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lace Cactus need?
- Lace Cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Lace Cactus bloom?
- Lace Cactus blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Lace Cactus native?
- Lace Cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii) is native to CO, KS, NM, OK and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Lace Cactus attract?
- Lace Cactus draws bees and beetles.
- Is Lace Cactus HOA-friendly?
- Lace Cactus takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Lace Cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.