Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
Nichol’s hedgehog cactus, golden hedgehog
Family Name:
Cactaceae
Botanical Name:
Echinocereus nicholii
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Echinocereus nicholii is a robust, columnar cactus with a clumping growing habit (1,2,3,5,6,7). Nichol’s hedgehog cactus has relatively long stems that curve upright, forming large clusters containing 16-30 stems (1,2,3,5,6,7). This plant’s branching habit forms clumps often reaching 12-30" high, and spreading 24-40" wide (1,2,3,4). Individual stems can reach up to 24” long (1,2). The stems are cylindrical and measure 2.4-3.5” in diameter (1,2,3,6). The crests of each column are slightly undulate (3,5,7). Each stem has roughly 10-13 ribs, with areoles spaced 0.4-1”apart (1,2,3,5,6). Plant stems are densely covered with golden spines, giving the impression from a distance of a solid gold colored plant (1). Each spine is bright yellow with older spines being darker yellow-tan (1,3). There are approximately 13-16 spines per areole, with 8-12 radial spines and 4-8 central spines (1,2,3,5,6,7). The central spines are noticeably longer, growing up to 3 inches in length, and are often twisted and flattened (1,2,3,5,6,7). There is a single spine in the central cluster that is distinctive from the others as it protrudes downward and is paler than the other spines, often fading from yellow to white with age (1,2,3,5,6,7). All other spines are a near-uniform golden hue (1,2,3). The flowers of Echinocereus nicholii are pink with bright yellow stamens (1,2,3,4,5). The corolla is pink, with the interior of the corolla being quite darker, almost magenta in hue (1,2,3,5,6). The flowers are 1.5-2.4” wide by 2-2.75” long, and the tips of the petals are thin and delicate (2,3,5,6). The fruits are spiny, dehiscent, and ovoid in shape, and measure 0.90-1.3” long (1,2,3,5,6). The fruit are green-skinned with a white pulp and turn a bronze color with sun-exposure and ripeness (1,2,3,5,6,7).
Compound:
Ech nic
Geographic Origin:
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This plant is native to south-central Arizona and northern Mexico and is commonly found in the Silverbell mountains near Tucson, as well as in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (1). Nichol’s hedgehog cactus is commonly found growing on rocky limestone and granitic slopes and is often found in close proximity to its very similar relative, Echinocereus engelmannii (1). Nichol’s hedgehog cactus was originally classified as a variety of Echinocereus engelmannii, until discernable differences in morphological characteristics as well as chromosome number saw Echinocereus nicholii designated as a separate species (1,2,3,6). Morphologically, Echinocereus nicholii has a greater length between its areoles compared to Echinocereus engelmannii, as well as only having a yellow coloration to its spines (1,2,3,6). Echinocereus nicholii also has noticeably smaller flowers and seeds (1,2,3,6). The genus name "Echinocereus" is derived from the Greek word “echinos”, meaning hedgehog/spine, while the specific epithet “nicholii” is derived from the name of a renowned American biologist, Andrew A. Nichol (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Echinocereus nicholii is recommended to be placed in full sun for optimal flowering and spine coloration, although it will tolerate light shade (1,4). This plant is recommended to be kept in USDA Zones 9b to 11a (25 degree Fahrenheit minimum), although it can be cold resistant down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA Zone 8b) for a short period of time (1,4). This plant is tolerant of reflected heat and is drought tolerant (1,4). Nichol’s hedgehog cactus is intolerant of overwatering and is susceptible to root rot (1). This plant should receive a soak-and-dry watering method, and more frequent waterings than is typical of other cacti in order to encourage flowering and speed growth (1). This plant requires well-draining soil and is tolerant of poor rocky soils (1). This plant is tolerant in a range of soils, thriving in pH of 6.5-7.8 (mildly acidic to mildly alkaline) (1,4). This plant can be propagated by seed and cutting (4). To collect seed, first remove the seeds from overly ripened fruit and clean and dry the seeds (4). Then directly sow seeds into soil after the threat of frost has passed (4). Nichol’s hedgehog cactus flowers from mid to late spring (March-April), and the fruit ripens in July (1,2,5,6,7,8)
Ethnobotany:
Nichol’s hedgehog cactus is a valued addition to any southwestern garden due to its small magenta flowers giving stark contrast against its golden spines (1). The denseness of the spinal coverage also gives the illusion of a solid coloration from a distance, similar to Echinocactus grusonii, making it an excellent accent piece (1). This plant pairs well with agaves, yuccas, and low-growing plants (1). The fruits of Nichol’s hedgehog cactus have culinary value, as they are edible and are said to be quite tasty (1). This plant is also very easy to grow, performing very well in pots (1). This plant is drought tolerant and is suitable for xeriscaping (4). Care should be taken when handling this plant due to its incredibly sharp spines (4)
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Pink
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Allergen:
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Low water Use
