SYS // NATIVE FLORA|Perennial

USDA: ECTEPLANTED: FALL 202530.1727° N, 98.0873° W

Horse Crippler Cactus

Echinocactus texensis

FAMILY: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Echinocactus texensis

CREDIT: Keeper Trout / NPSOT

Flat, heavily spined stem sitting low to the ground

Keeper Trout / NPSOT

Bright red ripe fruit atop Horse Crippler Cactus

Kathy Saucier / NPSOT

[ ECOREGION TELEMETRY HUD // US EPA NPSOT 1:1 ]

Texas Native Range Map24 REGIONS

Level 4Counties

[ INITIALIZING GEOSPATIAL HUD DATA... ]

Hover over highlighted ecoregions to inspect native range boundaries for Horse Crippler Cactus.

Edwards Plateau, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, Central & South Texas Plains

SOURCE: US EPA L3/L4 ECOREGIONS • NPSOT VERIFIED30.1727° N, 98.0873° W (AUSTIN, TX)

[ VERIFIED BOTANICAL REPOSITORIES ]

AUTHORITATIVE DATA NODES

Botanical specifications, native range classifications, and ecological benefits verified against official Texas botanical repositories.

NPSOT Plant Entry

Native Plant Society of TX

→

Wildflower.org Profile

LBJ Wildflower Center

→

[ TELEMETRY SUMMARY // SPECIES BRIEF ]

Echinocactus texensis (Horse Crippler Cactus or Devil's Head) is an iconic, low-growing Texas cactus known for its flattened, rib-patterned stem hugging the ground and rigid, heavy spines. In spring, it produces exquisite inverted bell-shaped flowers with fringed pink and red petals, followed by fleshy, bright red berries prized by native birds and wildlife.

[ GAUGES // SOLAR IRRADIANCE ]Sun

SHADE

PART SHADE

PART SUN

FULL SUN

[ GAUGES // HYDRATION INDEX ]Very Low (Extremely Drought Tolerant)

LOW

MOD

HIGH

[ TELEMETRY // 12-MONTH BLOOM PHENOLOGY ]Spring to Summer (Mar – Aug) (6 MO)

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

[ SPECIFICATIONS // DENSITY & HABIT ]Perennial • Cactus / Succulent

V-AXIS // HEIGHT

0.25 to 0.5 ft.

H-AXIS // SPREAD

0.75 to 1 ft.

LEAF RETENTIONEvergreen

[ SUBSTRATE // SOIL COMPOSITION ]pH: Alkaline to Neutral

DryLimestoneSandGravellyWell-Drained

[ ECOLOGICAL ROLE & WILDLIFE ]

BLOOM: Pink / Violet with Red Centers

ATTRACTS & SUPPORTS

Native Bees & Honey BeesDesert HummingbirdsBirds (Edible Red Fruits)Small MammalsButterflies & Moths

Diurnal flowers produce abundant pollen and nectar for native desert bees; bright red fruits provide crucial food for desert wildlife.

⚠️ BOTANICAL SAFETY NOTICE

Spines are sharp and dangerous to livestock and pets; flesh and fruit are non-toxic.

[ MAINTENANCE & PROPAGATION ]

Zero maintenance required. Ensure sharp drainage and full sunlight to prevent root rot. Do not overwater.