Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus

Echinocereus engelmannii

Also called Strawberry cactus, these plants produce edible fruit that is reported to taste like strawberries. The brilliant magenta flowers last about 5 days and open in April through May in Phoenix. Sharp spines protect this cactus from rodents and other herbivores. Clusters of up to 50 stems can spread to 3′ wide.

engalmans hedgehog cactus pw PollinatorWeb

Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native
Origin: Sonoran and Mohave deserts of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah into northern Mexico, from sea level to 5,000′
Family: Cactaceae
Size: 1′ high x 3′ wide
Sun: Full
Watering: None once established
Growth Rate: Slow
Soil: Tolerant
Temperature: Cold hardy to 15 F, heat loving
Pruning:
Disease and Pests: Root rot if soil is too wet
Uses: Nectar plant. Fruit provide food source for wildlife.
Notes: Listed as Salvage Restricted by the USDA NRCS.

There are 8 varieties in Echinocereus engelmannii: 
E. engelmannii var. acicularis, Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus (AZ, CA); 
E. engelmannii var. armatus, Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus (CA, NV); 
E. engelmannii var. chrysocentrus, Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus (AZ, CA, NV, UT); 
E. engelmannii var. engelmannii, Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus (AZ, CA, NV); 
E. engelmannii var. howei, Howe’s Hedgehog Cactus (AZ, CA, NV); 
E. engelmannii var. munzii, Munz’s Hedgehog Cactus (CA, NV); 
E. engelmannii var. purpureus, Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus (CA); 
E. engelmannii var. variegatus, Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus (AZ, UT).

Resources

Smart Plant Tags

Gardens and Landscapes: Transform your garden into a gallery of personalized narratives, providing valuable information to both seasoned gardeners and curious visitors.

Public Spaces and Parks: Enhance the educational aspect of public spaces by introducing engraved tags. Create interactive learning experiences that engage and inform visitors about the diverse flora and fauna in the area.

Commercial Landscapes: For businesses looking to add a touch of sophistication to their outdoor spaces, and to communicate your commitment to nature.

Nature Reserves and Conservation Areas: Support conservation efforts by providing informative markers in nature reserves. Raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.

Educational Institutions: Create interactive outdoor classrooms by incorporating our tags into educational institutions. Foster a love for nature and a thirst for knowledge among students of all ages.

You can purchase our tags at CactusShackStudio – check it out!

Desert Cotton Instagram Animated Gif copy 1 PollinatorWeb
PollinatorWeb

Oh, hi there! 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive notifications of new content and sales.

This field is required.

We don’t spam or sell your info!