Hedgehog Cactus. Echinocereus engelmannii, Cactus family ( Cactaceae ), Hedgehog Cactus.. Also called Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. The more common strawberry hedgehog has bright pink flowers in spring, but some varieties have different colors, from purple to lavender. The flowers are up to 3 inches in diameter, 2 to 3.2 inches long. The flowers close at night and reopen in the morning. Growth Habits: Clumping columnar cactus, mostly erect light green stems, 4 to 12 inches tall (10-30 cm), 2 to 4 inches diameter (5-10 cm), branching freely from the base; 11 to 14 low obtuse ribs; 4 to 6 yellow or brownish central spines, 2 to 3 inches long (5-7 cm); 10 to 13 radials, 0.4 inch long (1 cm). There have been 9 recognized varieties having a wide variance of color schemes of the spines. but 'var. nicholii' was reclassified as a separate species. The remaining 8 varieties are still undergoing scientific scrutiny as to determine their taxonomic status. The other varieties are: acicularis, armatus, chrysocentrus, engelmannii, howei, munzii, purpureus & variegatus. Quick Notes: Height: 6 - 24 inches high. Most are 6" - 8". About 24 - 36 inches wide. Flowers: Red-violet or fuchsia colored flowers; Cup Shaped, 2" - 3" long and wide. Blossoms last for about five days. Flowers close at night and reopen in the morning. Green stigma in center. Flowering Time: April - August. Stems: Cylendrical and Green, up to 3" in diameter. with 10 - 13 small ribs. They often grow together in a base of a loose cluster of stems which can spread out as large as 3" in size. Spines: Straight 4 to 6 yellow or brownish central spines, 2 to 3 inches long ; 10 to 13 radials, 0.4 inch long. Fruit: Red, Up to 1" long and 3/4" in diameter fruit which is edible. It is said to taste like strawberries, and is eaten by birds and rodents. Found: Throughout Arizona. Normally at well drained deserts and slopes. There are 6 species of Echinocereus in Arizona. Hardiness: USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 �C (0 �F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 �C (5 �F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 �C (10 �F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 �C (15 �F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 �C (20 �F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Sun to Partial Shade Light Shade Elevation: 0 to 8,000 Feet. Habitat: Desert; sandy slopes, flats, and rocky hillsides. Miscellaneous: Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping. Suitable for growing in containers. Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling. Flowering Photos Taken April 23, 2003 and April 13, 2004 near Lake Pleasant.

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