Compass Barrel
Ferocactus cylindraceus
A rugged native barrel cactus that famously tilts toward the south, crowned with yellow-orange summer blooms.
Cold hardy into the teens °F, USDA 9-11; native across low and mid-elevation Sonoran and Mojave desert.
AMWUA Notes
Native barrel cactus that stores water and needs no supplemental irrigation.
Care Guide
Established plants need no irrigation; water a new transplant monthly its first summer only, keeping it dry thereafter to prevent rot.
None; remove only rotted or scarred tissue.
Not needed.
Mealybugs occasionally; keep the base dry to prevent rot.
Fully hardy and heat-adapted; the plant leans south, so preserve its original orientation when transplanting to avoid sunscald.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Decomposed granite or rocky mineral soil; sharp-draining and lean
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Seed (offsets are rare)
2-3 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the stout red spines off walkways
Placement Tips
- •Site as a rugged specimen or in groups among boulders.
- •Keep the stout red spines off walkways.
- •Plant in decomposed granite with sharp drainage.
- •Maintain the original sun orientation to protect the shaded side.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Compass Barrel. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Compass Barrel — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Compass Barrel need in Phoenix?
Compass Barrel is a very low-water cactus once established. Established plants need no irrigation; water a new transplant monthly its first summer only, keeping it dry thereafter to prevent rot. Native barrel cactus that stores water and needs no supplemental irrigation.
How big does Compass Barrel get?
Expect roughly 5 ft tall and 2 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 2-3 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the stout red spines off walkways.
Can you plant Compass Barrel near a pool?
Not ideally. Compass Barrel is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Compass Barrel handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Compass Barrel is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Cold hardy into the teens °F, USDA 9-11; native across low and mid-elevation Sonoran and Mojave desert. Fully hardy and heat-adapted; the plant leans south, so preserve its original orientation when transplanting to avoid sunscald.
Does Compass Barrel have thorns?
Yes — Compass Barrel has large thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Compass Barrel safe around pets?
Compass Barrel is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Compass Barrel bloom in Arizona?
Compass Barrel blooms in late spring-summer, with yellow-orange flowers.
How much maintenance does Compass Barrel need?
Compass Barrel is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. None; remove only rotted or scarred tissue.
What kind of soil does Compass Barrel need?
Decomposed granite or rocky mineral soil; sharp-draining and lean. It needs no supplemental feeding. Not needed.
Is Compass Barrel native to Arizona?
Yes. Compass Barrel is native to Arizona and to the Mohave and Sonoran Deserts, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.