Horse Crippler (Echinocactus texensis): A Flat, Formidable Barrel with Giant Pink Flowers

Horse Crippler, also called Devil's Head or Candy Cactus, is a low, flattened, globular cactus that sits almost flush with the ground. Its broad ribs bear fierce, stout, recurved spines that can injure livestock—hence the name. In late spring, it produces enormous, silky, pink to magenta flowers (up to 3 inches wide) that completely hide the body. Native to Texas and northern Mexico, it’s a spectacular, cold-hardy barrel for collectors.

Taxonomic Profile

Culture

Full sun. Very well-drained, mineral soil. Water sparingly; dry in winter. Hardy to 0°F (-18°C). The spines are dangerous—place away from traffic. Slow-growing. Propagate from seeds. A prized specimen for its flowers.