Mojave Kingcup Cactus
Echinocereus mojavensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Mojave Kingcup Cactus (Echinocereus mojavensis) 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"–12" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, NV 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Mojave kingcup cactus is a compact desert native that forms small clumps of cylindrical stems topped with showy magenta or pink flowers in spring. This low-growing succulent stays neat and tidy year-round with minimal care. It requires very little water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mojave Kingcup 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
- Many HOAs prohibit cacti in front yards
- May be viewed as too desert-themed for traditional landscapes
Wildlife value
The bright spring blooms attract native bees and beetles during the April through June flowering period. This cactus provides nectar for desert pollinators when few other plants are blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mojave Kingcup Cactus need?
- Mojave Kingcup Cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mojave Kingcup Cactus bloom?
- Mojave Kingcup Cactus blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Mojave Kingcup Cactus native?
- Mojave Kingcup Cactus (Echinocereus mojavensis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NV and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Mojave Kingcup Cactus attract?
- Mojave Kingcup Cactus draws bees and beetles.
- Is Mojave Kingcup Cactus HOA-friendly?
- Mojave Kingcup 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.
Ready to grow Mojave Kingcup Cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz