Echinocereus dasyacanthus
(Texas Rainbow Cactus)
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, El Solitario, Big Bend Ranch State Park 3987
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, East Contrabando Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 5071/5083
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, South County Rd, Brewster Co. 1450
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, Fresno Divide Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 6738
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, Fresno Divide Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 6736
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, Cinco Tinajas Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 0561
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, East Contrabando Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park 5011
Echinocereus dasyacanthus, Cattail Falls Trail, Big Bend National Park 3500
| Scientific Name | Echinocereus dasyacanthus (Echinocereus pectinatus var. neomexicanus) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ECDA |
| Common Name | Texas Rainbow Cactus, Spiny Hedgehog Cactus | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 512689 |
| Family | Cactaceae (Cactus) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Desert habitat; scrubland, grassy plains, canyon sides and limestone terraces, up to 5,000 feet; in Texas, found primarily in Big Bend. Plant: Single, sometimes branching stems up to 12 inches tall with 15 to 22 narrow/shallow ribs; annual growth increments marked (often vaguely) by rings of spines with contrasting colors. Spines: Obscuring stem; vertical central spines 3 or 7 to 9, about 1/4-inch long; radial spines 18 to 22, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, pale brown or pink. Inflorescence: Usually yellow flowers, but can range to rose-pink and magenta, 3 to 5 inches across with dark green stigma lobes and yellow anthers in the center; long, pointed petals, outer sometimes tinged with magenta on the outside, inner streaked with green on the inside; green petal base. Bloom Period: March to May. References: Echinocereus pectinatus var. neomexicanus in "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, Cactus Art, and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024