Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus Engelman)
Description: One of the most attractive hedgehog cacti is the claret cup, which grows in clumps as much as 3–4 feet across but is usually smaller. The bright red-orange flowers often cover the whole plant, which is cylindrical and low-growing, often hugging up against some larger plants. The numerous flowers grow at the top of the stems, all about the same height, giving a full view of all the flowers at one glance. They last for several days. The flowers vary slightly in color as a result of soil type or genetic differences. Among the most beautiful cacti; large plants with many stems in full flower make breathtaking mounds of scarlet. Stems are highly variable, often with two strikingly different forms growing in the same area.
Family: Cactaceae
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ECTR
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Color: Red, Orange
Bloom Time: Apr, May
Water Use: Low
Light Requirements: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Bloom Notes: Soil Description: They favor, but are not restricted to, soils of volcanic origins.
ATTRIBUTION: All of the Texas Wildflower images in this post are copyrighted and are the exclusive property of Terry B. Kahler. Reproduction without explicit written consent is prohibited. Some of the information contained in this section was taken from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website and is being used under their terms of use. Redistribution from this site is prohibited. Additional information contained in this section was taken from the USDA website including the USDA code.