This solitary cactus (occasionally with offsets) has 18-25 obtuse ribs and is up to 350 mm (14 in) in diameter. It has large greyish, pungent spines that are pinkish towards the top and the yellow-orange funnel-shape flowers appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Ferocactus cylindraceusis naturally found in south-west USA from Arizona to California and northern Mexico (Sonora, Baja California) growing at altitudes of 600 m to 1500 m (2000 ft to 5,000 ft).

It prefers a very well drained sandy stony to clay soil that is moderately fertile and open to exposed sunny position and is drought and light frost tolerant.

The Compass Barrel Cactus is grown for its colourful spines, flowers and habit. It is planted in small or arid gardens as a specimen or used in rockeries. It is suitable for mountainous regions and establishes in 3-5 years and is long lived. It is also grown as a potted specimen for courtyards or as a barrier plant and is also grown in cactus collections in a conservatory or glasshouses in cold climates. ID 2638

Note:
In their native habitat this slow-growing cactus tends to be slanted in the southern direction due to the fact that the northern side received more sun and grows quicker.

Ferocactus(fe-rô-KĂK-tus) cylindraceus(sil-in-DRAY-kee-us)

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)