This dull green globular cactus may become elongated with age and has 20-24 ribs with yellowish-brown needle-like spines. It produces bright yellow diurnal funnel-shape flowers towards the top centre of the plant during mid summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12 

Ferocactus histrix is naturally found in North America growing in central Mexico (Durango, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Puebla and Zacatecas) on a dry hot, rocky hillsides. 

It prefers a very well drained fertile sandy-stony soil in an open sunny position with some protection during the hottest part of the day and is drought and frost tolerant. 

The Electrode Cactus is grown for its habit, flowers and hardiness to cold weather.  It is used as a specimen plant in rockeries or arid gardens and in cactus collections.  It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 4-7 years and is moderately long lived. This cactus is also ideal as a potted patio specimen and is grown under glass in cold climates. ID 2639

Ferocactus (fe-rō-KĂK-tus) histrix (HIS-triks)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)