Cactus & Succulent•USDA: FEWI•PLANTED: SPRING 2026•
Candy Barrel
Ferocactus wislizeni
FAMILY: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)ALSO KNOWN AS:
Candy Barrel CactusFishhook Barrel CactusSouthwestern Barrel Cactus
A standout species for Texas gardens, Candy Barrel (Ferocactus wislizeni) is a deciduous succulent native across the Edwards Plateau, Texas Blackland Prairies, and Cross Timbers.
During June, July, August, and September, the plant produces red , orange , yellow blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental berry that add seasonal interest.
Fruits attract birds and small mammals.
Best suited to sandy or gravelly soils, Candy Barrel adapts seamlessly to local soil conditions. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease.
Candy Barrel
Ferocactus wislizeni
NATIVE RANGE // EPA & NPSOT
Texas Native Ecoregions3 REGIONS
[ INITIALIZING GEOSPATIAL MAP DATA... ]
Edwards Plateau, Texas Blackland Prairies, Cross Timbers
SOURCE: US EPA L3/L4 ECOREGIONS • NPSOT VERIFIED30.1727° N, 98.0873° W (DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX)
GROWTH & VISUAL PROFILEPerennial • Cactus & Succulent
↕HEIGHT
Up to about 10 feet tall
↔SPREAD
2 to 4 ft
🌱GROWTH
Slow
🍂FOLIAGE
Deciduous
BLOOM COLOR
Red
Orange
Yellow
BLOOM CALENDARJun , Jul , Aug , Sep (6 MO)
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
BOTANICAL ALIASES & ALTERNATE NAMES3 ALIASES
Candy Barrel CactusFishhook Barrel CactusSouthwestern Barrel Cactus
ECOLOGICAL ROLE & WILDLIFE
ATTRACTS & SUPPORTS
Fruits attract birds and small mammals.
Recognized for providing nectar and forage for native Texas pollinators.
WATER NEEDLow (Drought Tolerant)
VL
LOW
MOD
HIGH
SOLAR NEEDSun
SHADE
PART SHADE
PART SUN
FULL SUN
SUBSTRATE & SOILpH: Neutral to Alkaline
Sandy or gravelly soils.
⚠️ BOTANICAL SAFETY NOTICE
Non-toxic to humans, birds, and domestic animals.
MAINTENANCE & PROPAGATION
Low maintenance once established.