Ferocactus emoryi

Accession Count: 7
Common Name: Emory's barrel, Emory barrel, Coville's barrel
Family Name: Cactaceae
Botanical Name: Ferocactus emoryi
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Characteristics: Ferocactus emoryi is a green barrel-shaped cactus with a spherical stem that reaches 4-8 feet (1.2-2.5 m) tall. Cacti possess 15-30 ribs with tubercles, a strong central spine, and 7-9 reddish-white radial spines. The central spine is 2-4 inches long and is stout, flattened, and straight or hooked, depending on the specimen. From mid-summer to early fall, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers will be produced, followed by ovoidal fruits.
Compound: Fer emo
Geographic Origin: Arizona, Mexico
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin: MX, SW
Natural History: F. emoryi is native to the lower desert elevations of Arizona (Yuma, Pima and Maricopa Co.) and to Sonora, Mexico. The species thrives in hot, sandy, gravely, and rocky terrains with low elevations. 
The Emory barrel was first named by Charles Russell Orcutt, and included within Cactography 1926(1): 5 (1926). It is listed as "salvage restricted" under Arizona Native Plant Law.
Cultivation Notes:
Water after transplanting, and then only when the soil becomes dry. Avoid direct contact with the plant when watering, to prevent causing sunburn. At the same time, however, bright light is required in order for this cacti to thrive - provide as much sun as possible. Alkaline soil with a pH between 6.1-7.8 is preferred, and substrate must be well-draining in order to avoid root rot. Although this species is tolerant of light frosts, cacti should be protected when temperatures fall below 50°F. Do not expose to temperatures  below 20°F, after which damage or death may occur (USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b).
F. emoryi can only be propagated from seed, which should be collected from overripe fruits. If sowing outside, plant after the last frost.
Ethnobotany:
The Seri people of Sonora have used Ferocactus emoryi as a source of food and medicine. At the same time, the species is valued in cultivation, and by pollinators and other insects. Nectar is produced at the top of the cactus that is used to feed the territorial ants that live at its base. In return, the ants protect the cacti from other insect pests, and genetic diversity of the species is increased.


Height: 6 - 10 feet
Width: 0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Fall
Color: Red
Function: Accent
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
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Ferocactus emoryi