(Photograph = Echinocereus engelmannii, Miwasatoshi)

Introduction

Echinocereus is a genus of about 100, mostly Mexican species (the number of species is a point of ongoing discussion). However, some beautiful species occur in the United States, and E. viridiflorus grows as far north as Wyoming and South Dakota.

The Details

E. engelmannii is commonly found in the western deserts from Nevada and Utah to northwestern Mexico. In spring, the screaming magenta flowers make it visible from a distance.

E. engelmannii plants may have one-three stems, but some very old plants have several dozen stems. Small plants may be only four-inches tall, whereas larger plants may be over 18-inches tall. E. engelmannii is commonly encountered in many dry situations. Plants may grow in Death Valley or above 6,000 ft.  They grow on alluvial fans but are also found in rocky soils in mountains.

Spine color is variable in E. engelmannii, and at one time varieties were named according to spine color. The spines are different lengths and the central may be straight or twisted. There may be as many as 12 radials and 5(7) centrals. The spines often obscure the stem from view.

Additional Reading: Echinocereus Online Journal