Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Fishhook Barrel
Fishhook Barrel is the most common native barrel cactus of southern Arizona, a thick, ribbed column armed with long, hooked central spines. In late summer a ring of yellow, orange or red flowers crowns the top, followed by yellow fruit that hangs on into winter. It grows slowly to about 3 to 6 feet tall and 18 to 30 inches across. Older plants lean toward the south, which gives it the name compass barrel.
Best for: focal points in native desert yards, naturalistic groupings of cacti, and small gardens that want one bold, slow-growing native barrel.
It grows slowly into a thick, ribbed barrel 3 to 6 feet tall and up to 30 inches across. Set it where the hooked spines and flowers can be seen.
For a naturalistic group, plant about 3 to 4 feet apart center to center with other cacti and native shrubs.
Yellow, orange or red flowers ring the top in late summer. Yellow, pineapple-shaped fruit follows and stays into winter, where birds and wildlife feed on it.
Soil that stays wet, above all in winter, rots it. Turning it so the shaded side faces south can sunburn it. Hooked spines catch skin and clothing.
- Cactus grouping3 ft apart
- Open planting4 ft apart
Wait about a week after planting before the first water, then water every other week while nights stay above 60°F. Once rooted, water every 2 to 4 weeks in summer. Water seldom in winter unless there has been no rain.
Plant it facing the same way it grew. The nursery usually marks the south side. Older plants lean south on their own, and that is normal.
It is hardy to about 10 to 15°F. For a young plant on a hard freeze night, use frost cloth to the ground, not plastic.
In the ground it needs no fertilizer. In a pot, feed it lightly about twice a year.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
Why does my fishhook barrel lean?
Larger plants lean toward the south or southwest as they grow, which is why it is called the compass barrel. It is normal, so leave it be.
Which way should I plant it?
Face it the way it grew, with the marked south side facing south. Turning the shaded side to the sun can sunburn it.
How big does it get?
It usually grows 3 to 6 feet tall and 18 to 30 inches across, and old plants can reach 10 feet. It grows slowly, so buy a larger size if you want height now.
How far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 3 to 4 feet apart center to center in a cactus grouping. The Spacing tab on this page counts plants for you.
When does it bloom?
Yellow, orange or red flowers ring the top in late summer, often into September and October. Watch for bees and hummingbirds on them.
Is the fruit edible?
Yes, the yellow, pineapple-shaped fruit is edible and stays on the plant into winter. Pick it with gloves or tongs, and leave some for the birds.
How often should I water it?
Water every other week after planting while nights are warm. Once rooted, water every 2 to 4 weeks in summer and seldom in winter.
How cold can it take?
It is hardy to about 10 to 15°F. Keep the soil dry in winter and cover young plants on hard freeze nights.
How do I handle it?
Wear heavy leather or welding gloves. Wrap the barrel in folded carpet or cardboard to lift it, and keep the hooked spines away from your arms.
Does it attract bees and birds?
Yes. Bees, birds and hummingbirds visit the flowers, and birds and wildlife eat the fruit.
Fishhook vs native fire barrel: what is the difference?
Fishhook has a strongly hooked central spine, lighter spines that show the green body, and late summer flowers. Native fire barrel has dense red to yellow spines and blooms in spring.
Fishhook Barrel for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Fishhook Barrel is the native barrel cactus of southern Arizona, named for its hooked spines. People plant it as a focal point for its summer flowers and yellow fruit. Below is what to expect in a Valley yard, including size, the south lean, water, cold, flowers, fruit and spacing.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
Why do barrel cactus lean south?
Larger fishhook barrels lean toward the south or southwest, which earned them the name compass barrel. The lean is normal, so there is no need to stake it.
How big does fishhook barrel cactus get?
Plan for about 3 to 6 feet tall and 18 to 30 inches across. It grows slowly, and old plants can reach 10 feet.
How far apart do you plant fishhook barrel?
Plant about 3 to 4 feet apart center to center in a grouping. The Spacing tab on this page counts plants for you.
How often do you water a barrel cactus in Phoenix?
Water every other week after planting while nights are warm. Once rooted, water every 2 to 4 weeks in summer and seldom in winter.
Can you eat fishhook barrel fruit?
Yes, the yellow, pineapple-shaped fruit is edible and stays on the plant into winter. Birds and other wildlife eat it too.
Fishhook barrel flowers
Yellow, orange or red flowers form a ring at the top of the plant in late summer. Bees, birds and hummingbirds visit them.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.