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Fishhook Cactus

Mammillaria dioica

false

1 gallon

Fishhook Cactus

Out of stock

4"x6"

Sizes:

Fishhook Cactus - Mammillaria dioica
Also known as: California Fishhook Cactus, Strawberry Pincushion, Strawberry Cactus

This is one of the smallest cacti native to California and northwestern Mexico, including the Colorado Desert. In the Coachella Valley, it's commonly found on rocky slopes, granite boulder crevices, and canyon edges. Plants appear as single stems or small clumps, typically 1–3 inches tall, with large specimens reaching up to 6 inches. Covered in hooked central spines, the stems bear showy spring blooms (white to pink with darker mid-stripes), followed by bright red, edible fruits resembling strawberries. It thrives in full sun, well-draining soils, and low-water desert conditions, though occasional deep summer watering can improve bloom in garden settings.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: No specialist caterpillars documented locally.
Nectar Source: Supported visits from native solitary and generalist bees.
Bird Resources: Fruits/Berries and seeds eaten by small mammals and birds; provides shelter in rocky microhabitats.
Bird Species: Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); occasional nectar visits by Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae).
Other Wildlife: Fruits are eaten by small mammals such as pocket mice and chipmunks, helping with seed dispersal.

Bonus Ecology Note: Red, fleshy cactus fruits like those of M. dioica follow a mammal dispersal model, offering nutrition to small mammals that eat primarily fruit. These mammals play a crucial role by moving seeds to new microhabitats and planting them below the soil surface - supporting germination and long-term plant persistence.

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

4"x6"

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

White; Yellow

Flower season:

Winter; Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

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.