Cottontop Cactus
Homalocephala polycephala · Cactaceae
- Form
- Succulent
- Height
- 0.2–1 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Very Low
- Blooms
- Apr, May, Jun
- Pet toxicity
- Mild
- Habitat
- Desert · Sagebrush Scrub
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Sparse Desert and warm-edge Sagebrush Scrub
- Form / size: Low clustering barrel-like cactus
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Very low
- The look: woolly crown, dense spines, bright flowers
Description
A compact clustering cactus with heavily armed globose stems and a woollier crown that helps give it the “cottontop” name. In bloom it throws surprisingly bright flowers from a body that otherwise looks severe and armored.
Wildlife & pollinators
Flowers support bees; body structure provides miniature shelter in harsh desert ground.
Habitat & range
Dry rocky and gravelly desert ground in the Owens Valley / Mojave transition, especially around the warmer southern end of the eastern Sierra corridor.
In the garden
Best for specialist cactus growers with hot sun, exceptional drainage, and no overwatering.
Propagation
From seed or division of clustered heads where practical.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed across California (map)
- Best around the warmer, drier south end of the Eastern Sierra, especially near Lone Pine.
