Le conte barrel cactus
Ferocactus cylindraceus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–96" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, UT
Pollinators
native bees
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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaThis barrel cactus has a stout, ribbed, cylindrical form covered in dense spines, with a ring of yellow to orange flowers at the crown in late spring. It grows on rocky desert slopes and washes.
Wildlife value
The flowers are pollinated by native bees, and the sculptural form makes it a striking, low-water focal plant.
Common questions
- How much sun does Le conte barrel cactus need?
- Le conte barrel cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Le conte barrel cactus bloom?
- Le conte barrel cactus blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Le conte barrel cactus native?
- Le conte barrel cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) is native to AZ, CA, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Le conte barrel cactus attract?
- Le conte barrel cactus draws native 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.
Ready to grow Le conte barrel cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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