This variable cylindrical cactus is solitary or clustered with stems up to 76 mm (3in) thick that have 6 to 12-ribs and may be warty. It has pale brown pungent spines and the funnel-shaped bright red diurnal flowers appear from spring to early summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Echinocereus triglochidiatusis naturally found in North America from Nevada, Utah, Colorado, southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico growing in hot lowland deserts to open dry hillsides. They form large mounds composed of many individual stems that are tightly packed together.

It prefers an open sunny position with some afternoon shade and grows in sandy-stony soils that are moderately fertile and is heat, drought and light frost tolerant.

Claret Cap is grown for its clumping habit and its scarlet flowers. It is planted in small or arid gardens and rockeries as a specimen or used as a potted plant for patios. It is suitable for coastal or inland regions establishing in 3-5 years, but short lived. There are many varieties of this species and commonly found in cactus collections or grown in a glasshouse and attracts bees and humming birds. ID 3093

Echinocereus(e-keen-ô-KAY-ree-us) triglochidiatus(TRY-gloh-kee-dee-AH-tus)

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)