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Englemanns Hedgehog

Echinocereus englemanii

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1 gallon; 3 gallon

Englemanns Hedgehog

Out of stock

6-12"x1-2’

Sizes:

Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus – Echinocereus engelmannii
Also known as: Saint’s Cactus, Hedgehog Cactus

Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus is one of the most widespread and recognizable hedgehog cacti of the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Mojave Deserts, including the Colorado Desert region of Southern California. It forms clumps of 4–12 inch tall cylindrical, ribbed stems, which may grow singly or cluster densely. The stems are lined with curved spines that range in color from red and yellow to gray or white, varying by region and age.

In spring, this cactus produces showy, day-blooming, magenta to light pink flowers that are large and tubular, often appearing in a ring near the tops of the stems. Blooms open during the day and may last several days. These flowers are followed by fleshy, red, spiny fruits, which are edible and were historically harvested by Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. The fruit can persist well into summer and provides seasonal food for wildlife.

Highly drought tolerant and well suited for rocky soils and full sun, this cactus is a standout choice in arid gardens for its floral beauty and ecological value.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: hummingbirds, native bees, and beetles
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar
Bird Species: Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Other Wildlife: Beetles

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Shade

Mature size:

6-12"x1-2’

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

Magenta-Pale Pink

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.