Close-up of a cactus with pink flowers and brown withered parts against a blue sky.

This garden features the botanical genus Ferocactus (fer-oh-KAK-tus). The name was first used by Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose in 1922 to describe plants that were noted as being fierce from the latin "ferus" and "kaktos" the Greek word for thistle that easily describes the spinal characteristics.

Desert landscape with various cacti, including tall, thin cholla and barrel cacti with orange flowers, against a clear blue sky and green bushes.

The common name often used to describe these plants is "barrel cactus", but it was also known as "biznaga",. a recognition by the native population. Plants are cylindrical, ribbed, well armed with spines that are straight, curved or even hooked. A variety of plants with numerous spine colors would be truly favorable for the landscape.

Close-up of a cactus with orange flowers blooming on top.

There are about 30 known species of barrel cacti with a number of varieties and subspecies, all from North America.

The Gardens

Ferocactus Garden

There are about 30 known species of barrel cacti with a number of varieties and subspecies, all from North America.