Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Claret Cup Cactus — Overview
Echinocereus triglochidiatus, commonly known as the Kingcup Cactus, Claretcup Cactus, or Mound Hedgehog Cactus, is a captivating and resilient member of the Cactaceae family. This species typically grows as cylindrical, ribbed stems, often forming dense clusters or mounds that can reach heights of 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm) and diameters up to 4 feet. Its stems, usually 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, are heavily adorned with prominent, sharp spines, giving it a distinctive spiky appearance.
In spring, the Kingcup Cactus produces spectacular, vibrant blooms, with cup-shaped flowers ranging from bright pink to brilliant red, measuring approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) in diameter. These striking flowers are a significant draw for pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.
Native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico) and northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora), Echinocereus triglochidiatus thrives in well-drained, rocky or gravelly soils, often found in crevices, mesas, ridges, hills, and canyons. It is also found in shrublands, pine-oak, and conifer woodlands, extending into desert grasslands at elevations ranging from 500 to 8,000 feet (150-2,400 m). Taxonomically, Echinocereus triglochidiatus Engelm.
refers specifically to a diploid (2n) group, distinguishing it from polyploid taxa previously lumped under this name, such as Echinocereus mojavensis. Its succulent, fleshy structure is a key adaptation for conserving water, allowing it to flourish in drought-prone environments.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Echinocereus triglochidiatus
1.1 Wikipedia — Echinocereus triglochidiatus
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Echinocereus should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Claret Cup Cactus — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Distinctive cylindrical, ribbed</strong> — Distinctive cylindrical, ribbed stems with prominent, dense spines.
- ✓ <strong>Produces vibrant, showy red to pink cup</strong> — shaped flowers in early spring.
- ✓ <strong>Highly drought</strong> — tolerant, adapted to arid and semi-arid desert environments.
- ✓ <strong>Native to the</strong> — Native to the Southwestern United States (AZ, CO, NM) and northern Mexico.
- ✓ <strong>Traditionally valued by</strong> — Traditionally valued by Native American tribes for topical skin applications and internal digestive support.
- ✓ <strong>Excellent choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and low</strong> — water landscape designs.
- ✓ <strong>Attracts hummingbirds and</strong> — Attracts hummingbirds and bees, serving as an important pollinator plant.
- ✓ <strong>Grows in characteristic</strong> — Grows in characteristic clusters or mounds, enhancing its visual impact.
- ✓ <strong>Member of the</strong> — Member of the Cactaceae family, known for efficient water conservation mechanisms.
- ✓ <strong>Relatively low maintenance</strong> — Relatively low maintenance once established in suitable, well-drained conditions.
1.2.Claret Cup Cactus — Quick Summary
- ✓ Native to the Southwestern US and Northern Mexico, known for its striking red flowers and spiny stems.
- ✓ Traditionally used by Native Americans for topical skin soothing, cooling, and mild digestive aid.
- ✓ Rich in mucilage, flavonoids, and betalains, contributing to its potential emollient and antioxidant properties.
- ✓ Primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its unique morphology and high drought tolerance.
- ✓ Requires full sun and extremely well-drained soil; thrives in arid, rocky environments.
- ✓ Handle with extreme caution due to dense spines; internal medicinal use requires expert consultation due to limited scientific research.
2.Claret Cup Cactus — Scientific Identity
3.Claret Cup Cactus — Quick Facts
4.Claret Cup Cactus — Appearance & Identification
5.Claret Cup Cactus — Native Habitat
6.Claret Cup Cactus — Water Requirements
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Thrives in extremely well-drained, gritty, or rocky soil with minimal organic content to prevent root rot, mimicking its natural desert habitat.
- ✓ Light Exposure — Requires full sun exposure, ideally 6-8 hours per day, for robust growth and prolific flowering.
- ✓ Watering Schedule — Water sparingly and deeply during the growing season; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
- ✓ Temperature & Hardiness — Highly tolerant of high desert temperatures. Many varieties are cold-hardy to moderate frosts, but protection from extreme freezing is beneficial.
- ✓ Propagation — Can be propagated effectively from fresh seeds or by carefully detaching and rooting stem offshoots or fallen fragments, which readily form new plants.
- ✓ Fertilization — Fertilize very lightly with a low-nitrogen, high-potassium cactus-specific fertilizer once or twice during the active spring and summer growth periods.
- ✓ Pest and Disease Management — Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but susceptible to root rot if overwatered and occasional infestations by mealybugs or scale insects.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 19, 2026
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