Fishhook Barrel Cactus

The fishhook barrel cactus or Ferocactus wislizenii is fairly common throughout the desert parts of the Southwestern United States including Arizona. The flowers are either yellow or bright red. It is also a common landscape plant in the desert. An individual cactus can live for around 100 years and can grow up to ten feet tall. We have one of these growing in our front yard in Mesa. Most of the plants lean towards the southwest, due to the amount of sun from that direction. Although, I think it is easier just to look at the position of the sun if you are lost and need directions in the desert.