This globular cactus is normally solitary or sometimes forms a clump. It has 9-16 acute longitudinal ribs with clusters of reddish tinged needle-like spines and the greenish yellow cup-shaped flowers appear singularly on top of the plant at night during midsummer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Ferocactus pottsiiis naturally found in North America growing in Mexico from Chihuahua to Sinaloa and Sonora in deciduous oak woodlands at an altitude from 240 m (787 ft) to 1,000 m (3,280 ft).

It prefers a moderately fertile very well drained sandy-stony soil with a pH range of 6.1-7.8 and grows in an open sunny position and is drought, high temperature and slightly frost tolerant.

This cactus is grown for its rounded growth habit and its flowers. It is planted in arid gardens as a specimen or used in a sunny rockery. It is also commonly grown in pots for court yard or indoor use and in cold regions it is grown under glass. It is suitable for inland and low-mountain regions and establishes in 4-7 years. It is also planted in woodland settings in its native habitat. ID 3731

Ferocactus(fer-oh-KAK-tus) pottsii(POT-see-eye)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)