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Plant of the Month

August 2008

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Engelmann�s Hedgehog � Strawberry Hedgehog

Echinocereus engelmannii

Cactaceae Family

Form: Engelmann�s Hedgehog is one of the most common species in the Southwest USA. It also has a very wide range of forms and varieties. Some are quite rare. Shrub forming columnar cactus that branches freely from the base forming large clusters. Variation in spine color and length are numerous, as with stem color. Generally a light green, but some can be a copper to red stem color. Spine color can range from a golden tan, to red to black to white.

Size: Stems can be up to 12-14in tall and 2-3in in diameter and can form large clusters several feet in diameter.

Flowers/Fruit: Very attractive pink to purple flowers form near the crown of the stem. Literally ripping through the skin. Up to 3in in diameter, the bright colored flowers can be seen easily from a distance. The fruit is very spiney and is said to have a strawberry taste, leading to it�s common name of Strawberry Hedgehog. Fruit ripens to a dark red and will split open to reveal the seeds.

Sun/Water: Native to Southwest USA and Baja Mexico deserts, these plants can survive hot, sunny and very arid conditions. Once established, these plants do not need much water. Best grown in full sun or very bright shade, while still hardy down 14F (-10C)

Propagation: From seed or offsets. Roots rather easily from cuttings.

Notes: There are many varieties of Echinocereus engelmannii. A wide range of spine forms and colors are found throughout the specie. Flowers are less variable in terms of color, but have many different shades. Some other varieties are:

v. boyce-thompsonii

v. mojavensis

v. armatus

v. variegates

v. apachensis

All photos taken in habitat; Joshua Tree National Park - Palm Desert, Calif., USA. Palm Springs, Calif., USA.

Index page and main photo on this page are from our personal garden collection.

Plant of the Month Archives

June 2008 � Cylindropuntia bigelovii

July 2008 � Ferocactus cylindraceus var. cylindraceus

August 2008 � Echinocereus engelmannii

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