Nylon Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus viridiflorus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Nylon Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus viridiflorus) 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 × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CO, KS, NE and 5 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Nylon hedgehog cactus is a compact, low-growing succulent that forms small mounds of cylindrical stems covered in harmless, hair-like spines. This drought-tolerant native produces cheerful yellow-green flowers in late spring and early summer. It requires excellent drainage and thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal care.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nylon Hedgehog 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.
- Cacti often prohibited in front yards
- May be viewed as unconventional for some landscapes
- Could be perceived as desert landscaping rather than traditional
Wildlife value
The spring blooms attract native bees and beetles that appreciate the nectar and pollen. Small wildlife may use the dense, spiny clumps for shelter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nylon Hedgehog Cactus need?
- Nylon Hedgehog Cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Nylon Hedgehog Cactus bloom?
- Nylon Hedgehog Cactus blooms in May and June.
- Where is Nylon Hedgehog Cactus native?
- Nylon Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus viridiflorus) is native to AZ, CO, KS, NE and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Nylon Hedgehog Cactus attract?
- Nylon Hedgehog Cactus draws bees and beetles.
- Is Nylon Hedgehog Cactus HOA-friendly?
- Nylon Hedgehog 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 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 Nylon Hedgehog Cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz