Echinocereus pacificus ssp. pacificus | Baja California Claret Cup | Mexican Collector Cactus
Echinocereus pacificus ssp. pacificus is a striking clump-forming cactus native to northwestern Baja California, Mexico, distinguished by dense reddish-gray spination and brilliant red to orange-red flowers. Mature plants can develop substantial colonies composed of numerous upright cylindrical stems, creating dense, heavily armed mounds that become especially impressive when several flowers open simultaneously. Individual stems typically reach approximately 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) tall and 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) in diameter, with around 10–12 ribs. The grayish spines are commonly flushed reddish or brown when young, with approximately 10–12 radial spines and several stronger central spines. Its combination of compact clustering growth, formidable spination, and intensely colored flowers makes ssp. pacificus a particularly attractive member of the claret-cup group. Native Habitat: Echinocereus pacificus ssp. pacificus is native to northwestern Baja California, Mexico. The historical type locality is Río San Carlos, where the original material was collected on January 25, 1883. Populations occur in the Mediterranean-influenced northern portion of the Baja California Peninsula, occupying rocky slopes, granitic terrain, open xerophytic scrub, and transitions into chaparral and higher-elevation vegetation. The habitat can support an especially interesting mixture of Baja California succulents and xerophytes. Plants documented in the broader habitat of E. pacificus include Dudleya pulverulenta, Ferocactus viridescens, Opuntia phaeacantha, Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa, Nolina species, and other drought-adapted plants associated with rocky slopes and open scrub. Higher portions of its range transition toward vegetation containing Yucca, Agave, and additional succulent and xerophytic species. This region differs significantly from the hot low-desert environments associated with many Mexican cacti. Winter rainfall, cooler seasonal temperatures, rocky granitic soils, and strong summer dryness all contribute to the ecology of the northern Baja California populations. Flowering Information: Mature plants produce comparatively short, stout flowers in shades of deep red, scarlet, or bright orange-red, generally approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) long in the nominate subspecies. Flowers emerge from the sides of mature stems and contrast dramatically with the dense reddish-gray spination. Flowering is concentrated primarily in spring, particularly following a cool, relatively dry winter rest. The flower tube and ovary are armed with small areoles bearing wool and slender spines, a characteristic feature of Echinocereus. Soil Type: Grow in an exceptionally well-drained mineral substrate consisting of pumice, decomposed granite, coarse grit, gravel, and a modest amount of organic material. Because natural populations are strongly associated with rocky and frequently granitic terrain, excellent drainage and root aeration are more important than rich soil. Water thoroughly during active growth, but allow the substrate to dry well between waterings. Reduce water sharply during cool winter weather. This species is considerably more vulnerable to cold combined with persistent moisture than it is to cold alone. Hardiness: Best suited to approximately USDA Zones 9–11. Baja California forms are generally considered less frost-resistant than some continental members of the broader Echinocereus polyacanthus complex, with approximately 23°F (-5°C) representing a reasonable conservative lower limit for established plants kept completely dry. A cool, bright, dry winter rest is beneficial and helps promote strong spring flowering. Avoid prolonged freezes and particularly avoid saturated soil during cold conditions. Light Requirements: Provide bright light to full sun. Strong illumination encourages dense spination, compact stems, and abundant flowering. Plants raised under greenhouse conditions should be gradually acclimated before moving into intense outdoor sunlight. In areas with extremely hot summer afternoons, some protection during the hottest portion of the day may be beneficial. Propagation: Propagation is primarily from seed, which produces naturally proportioned plants and preserves genetic variation within the subspecies. Established specimens branch readily from the base and eventually form substantial colonies. Individual offsets from mature clusters can also be separated and rooted, making vegetative propagation possible once plants have reached sufficient size. Collector's Note: The taxonomic history of Echinocereus pacificus reflects the long-running debate over the boundaries of the red-flowered Echinocereus species traditionally associated with the triglochidiatus–polyacanthus group. George Engelmann originally described the Baja California plant in 1886 as Cereus phoeniceus var. pacificus, based on material associated with the Río San Carlos locality. Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose elevated it to species rank as Echinocereus pacificus in 1922. Later authors reduced it to Echinocereus polyacanthus var. pacificus, E. polyacanthus ssp. pacificus, or even placed it within E. triglochidiatus. This broader polyacanthus interpretation is still followed by some cactus references. Kew's Plants of the World Online currently accepts Echinocereus pacificus as a distinct species and recognizes two subspecies: Echinocereus pacificus ssp. pacificus and Echinocereus pacificus ssp. mombergerianus. This is for one plant similar to the one shown growing in a 4" inch container shipped bare root. All of our plants are guaranteed pest-free and healthy upon delivery, and we ship within the United States. Shipping is done Monday thru Friday. 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