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types of hedgehog cactus Buy Native Hedgehog Cactus Phoenix, AZ | E. engelmaniiArizona's Toughest Native Hedgehog Cactus Stunning Magenta Blooms Native Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmanii) is the real deal a true Arizona native that has thrived in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years. This rugged hedgehog cactus forms clumps of spiny cylindrical stems that erupt with some of the most vivid magenta pink flowers you'll ever see each spring. Whether you're restoring native habitat in Scottsdale, building a waterwise front
Arizona's Toughest Native Hedgehog Cactus — Stunning Magenta Blooms
Native Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmanii) is the real deal — a true Arizona native that has thrived in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years. This rugged hedgehog cactus forms clumps of spiny cylindrical stems that erupt with some of the most vivid magenta-pink flowers you'll ever see each spring. Whether you're restoring native habitat in Scottsdale, building a waterwise front yard in Mesa, or adding authentic desert character to a Chandler landscape — Native Hedgehog is the cactus that belongs here.
Native Hedgehog Cactus Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Echinocereus engelmanii |
| Common Names | Native Hedgehog, Engelmann's Hedgehog, Strawberry Cactus |
| Mature Height | 6–12 inches |
| Mature Width | 6–12 inches (expands through clumping) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate — 1–2 new stems per year in Phoenix |
| Sun | Full sun (6+ hrs). Handles reflected heat from walls and pavement. |
| Water | Very low once established. Extremely drought-tolerant — survives on rainfall alone. |
| USDA Zones | 8–11 (Phoenix is Zone 9b–10a) |
| Soil | Well-draining rocky or sandy soil. Thrives in Arizona caliche soils with minimal amendment. |
| Foliage | Evergreen — dense spination year-round |
| Bloom Color | Vibrant magenta to hot pink; cup-shaped flowers in March–May |
| Native Status | Native to the Sonoran Desert — truly indigenous to the Phoenix Valley |
Native Hedgehog Cactus Uses in Phoenix Landscapes
Native Desert Restoration
If you want an authentically Arizona landscape, Native Hedgehog is essential. It grows naturally on rocky hillsides and bajadas throughout the Phoenix metro area. Plant it among native boulders, decomposed granite, and companion natives like Jojoba, Brittlebush, and Penstemon for a landscape that looks like it's been here for centuries.
Rock Garden Showpiece
The dense spination and compact clumping habit make this a perfect rock garden specimen. Place it on a raised mound or between boulders where it gets excellent drainage. The spring flower show — large cup-shaped magenta blooms that open wider than the stems themselves — is one of the most spectacular of any Arizona cactus.
Waterwise Front Yard Anchor
Native Hedgehog requires zero supplemental irrigation once established in most Phoenix locations. Group 3–5 plants spaced 12–18 inches apart for a natural-looking hedgehog cluster. Pair with Golden Barrel for a classic desert combination that delivers year-round interest in Gilbert, Tempe, or Peoria.
Wildlife & Pollinator Garden
The large, nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies during the spring bloom season. The small red fruits that follow are edible and attract birds. This is one of the best cacti for creating a habitat-friendly desert garden.
Best Time to Plant Native Hedgehog Cactus in Phoenix
Fall (October–November) is ideal — warm soil promotes root establishment while cooler air reduces transplant stress. The cactus gets 6–8 months to settle in before its first Phoenix summer. Spring (February–April) is the second-best window. Avoid summer planting — extreme heat stresses newly transplanted hedgehog cacti.
How to Plant Native Hedgehog Cactus
- Dig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width, same depth as the nursery container.
- Check for caliche — break through any hardpan layer for drainage. Native Hedgehog naturally grows in rocky, well-drained soil.
- Backfill with native soil — this species thrives in unamended Arizona dirt. Add 10–20% decomposed granite if your soil is heavy clay.
- Spacing — 12–18 inches apart for grouped plantings; 24 inches for individual specimens.
- Plant at grade — keep the root crown at soil level. Never bury stems.
- Mulch with rock — 2–3 inches of decomposed granite or river rock. Avoid organic mulch which retains too much moisture.
Watering Native Hedgehog Cactus in Phoenix
First Year Watering Schedule
- Weeks 1–2: Water deeply every 5–7 days to settle roots
- Month 1–3: Every 10–14 days
- Month 3–6: Every 14–21 days (every 10 days in peak summer)
- After Year 1: Rarely — every 3–4 weeks in extreme summer heat; otherwise rainfall is sufficient
Drip Irrigation
Place a single 0.5–1 GPH emitter 6–8 inches from the base. Run for 15–20 minutes per session. Established Native Hedgehog cacti are among the most drought-tolerant plants available — many thrive with no supplemental irrigation at all in the Phoenix Valley.
How fast does Native Hedgehog grow in Phoenix?
Echinocereus engelmanii grows slowly to moderately, adding 1–2 new stems per year. A 5 gallon plant is already a well-established clump. The 10–15 gallon specimens are mature, multi-stemmed plants ready to bloom their first spring after planting.
Is Native Hedgehog the most drought-tolerant cactus for Phoenix?
It's one of them. As a true Sonoran Desert native, it survives entirely on natural rainfall once established. You can essentially plant it, water it in, and forget about it. It's hard to find a more hands-off cactus.
What's the difference between Native Hedgehog and Strawberry Hedgehog?
They're closely related. Native Hedgehog (E. engelmanii) tends to have denser spination and is native to the lower Sonoran Desert. Strawberry Hedgehog (E. stramineus) is typically larger with showier flower clusters. Both thrive in Phoenix and produce edible fruit.
Does Native Hedgehog work near pools?
Yes, but keep it at least 3–4 feet from pool edges due to the dense spines. It's an excellent choice for desert pool landscapes when placed in rock beds or raised planters alongside the pool area.
You May Also Like
- Strawberry Hedgehog — Larger hedgehog cousin with massive pink flower clusters
- Claret Cup Cactus — Brilliant red-orange hedgehog flowers that attract hummingbirds
- Golden Barrel — Classic golden sphere that pairs perfectly with hedgehog cacti
- Fishhook Barrel — Another Arizona native with dramatic hooked spines and yellow blooms
- Easter Lily Cactus — Stunning white trumpet flowers on a compact hedgehog form
How Many Native Hedgehog Do I Need?
Native Hedgehog is a small clumping cactus, 6 to 12 inches wide, that looks most natural planted in odd-numbered groups rather than alone. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart so each clump has room to expand while still reading as a cohesive hedgehog cluster.
| Planting Goal | Spacing & Count |
|---|---|
| Single rock-garden accent | 1 plant, 24 in clear of neighbors |
| Natural-looking cluster | 3 to 5 plants, 12 to 18 in apart |
| Restoration drift | 5 to 7 plants in a loose, uneven group |
Keep clumps at least 3 to 4 feet back from walkways and pool edges so the dense spines stay clear of foot traffic.
Native Hedgehog Season-by-Season in Phoenix
- Spring (Feb–Apr): The headline season. Large cup-shaped magenta to hot-pink flowers open wider than the stems, March through May, drawing hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies. New stems push from the base.
- Summer (May–Sep): Built for it. As a Sonoran native it takes full sun and reflected heat with no fuss, and edible red fruit follows the spring bloom. Monsoon rain is usually all the water an established plant needs; avoid overwatering.
- Fall (Oct–Nov): Prime planting season. Warm soil and cooling air let roots establish before winter with minimal transplant stress.
- Winter (Dec–Jan): Evergreen and tough. This native is reliably cold-hardy through Valley winters and shrugs off frost that damages tender cacti. Keep it dry in cold weather to protect the roots.
At a Glance
✔ Arizona Native ✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Hummingbird-Friendly ✔ Heat-Loving (Reflected-Heat Tolerant) ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Evergreen ✔ Low-Maintenance ✔ Edible ✔ Deer & Rabbit-Resistant ✔ Cold-Hardy to 20°F
Plant It With
- Claret Cup Cactus: brilliant red-orange hedgehog flowers that bring a different bloom color and more hummingbirds.
- Golden Barrel Cactus: classic golden sphere that pairs perfectly with the clumping hedgehog form.
- Fishhook Barrel: another Arizona native with hooked spines and yellow blooms for an all-native grouping.
- Easter Lily Cactus: large white trumpet flowers on a compact hedgehog form for spring contrast.
Is Native Hedgehog Right for Your Yard?
Native Hedgehog thrives in full sun, fast-draining rocky or sandy soil, and waterwise, rock-garden, or native-restoration designs where it can be left almost entirely to rainfall once established. It is one of the most hands-off, frost-tough cacti you can plant in the Valley. It is not a fit if your bed holds water or drains poorly, or if you need a spineless plant right against a walkway, patio, or pool edge.
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4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 28 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 4
Worthwhile Read
Format: Hardcover
Extremely insightful.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Beyond the Usual Left/Right bifurcation
When thinking about Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States, I am reminded of E.H. Carr's seminal work "What is History?" whereby he stated: "The belief in a hard core of historical facts existing objectively and independently of the interpretation of the historian is a preposterous fallacy, but one which it is very hard to eradicate". As Carr famously stated, millions of people had crossed the Rubicon, but only Julius Caesar's crossing in 49 BC has been given normative value by historians. For those familiar with the philosophical treatment of historical understanding in Tolstoy's War and Peace, this sentiment will ring true. A People's History is designed to give voice to those millions who passed the rubicon but never found their way into the annuals of history.
A couple of points. This book was intended to be a supplement as opposed to a strictly chronological account of history that will give you the bullet points for the most important people, dates and events. [sic] It is not meant to be a replacement for a more standardized textbook.
Secondly, Zinn did not hate America, and he in fact stated:
"I want young people to understand that ours is a beautiful country, but it has been taken over by men who have no respect for human rights or constitutional liberties. Our people are basically decent and caring, and our highest ideals are expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which was that all of us have an equal right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The history of our country, I point out in my book, is a striving, against corporate robber barons and war makers, to make those ideals a reality-and all of us, of whatever age, can find immense satisfaction in becoming part of that."
Regardless of your political position, between the Great Recession and the Iraq war, there is a relevance to this sentiment that cuts across political lines.
Now, what one will notice in the bulk of the one star reviews is the sense that either the reviewer has not read the book, they copied and pasted their criticism from another source or they have strictly given the book one star because it does not conform with their view of reality. "Blame America first", "socialism", "communism", "Marx, "liberal propaganda", you can easily get the gist of the talking points because many American conservatives apparently got the same memo in dismissing anything they don't agree with. The disservice they do to themselves and the sphere of ideas in the outright dismissal of any perspective which does not conform to their own is truly sad. When someone gives a book one star merely for not conforming to their view of reality,they have obviously lost the plot.
In university I knew many conservative history professors who liked and used Zinn's work. They believed it was important to incorporate and deal with the claims that Zinn made. You cannot whitewash history and blindly stick by the most comforting narrative. That does not mean that one should agree with Zinn's conclusions or think that he has a monopoly on the truth. Zinn himself would not have wanted that.
For those who claim Zinn is a socialist or any other kind of -ist, that he is not completely objective, they have obviously never done any research. Pure positivism was dismissed long ago. Even Max Webber started that our subjective bias comes in the moment we choose to study something, for by seeing the subject matter as valuable, we have placed a normative value on it. There is no pure value objectivity, stating one's position and bias from the outset is what responsible social scientists do these days. A dryly academic text with an obvious bias concealed by a detached form of writing gives a falsely omniscient perspective whose reality is psychological but not objective. However they write, they are just a person, and without expressing their biases it will inevitably turn up in their work without necessarily being obvious. This is far more dangerous than what Zinn does in stating his bias from the outset. So it is a red herring to dismiss Zinn for having a perspective. We all have one and it will come into whatever we do.
There is no knowable, objective reality (for humans) living in the Platonic world of perfect forms. History was a puzzle of immeasurable size that was blown apart and the pieces scattered over the cosmos. The vast majority of the pieces are gone, never to return. We are stabbing at an imperfect speculation, not ultimate truth when we engage in historical study. Any physicist will tell you that the particle wave duality of light has pretty much closed the book on the notion that we can objectively, perfectly know anything.
This book is important because the poison of partisan politics has come to dominate even the dialogue of academic research. If the sole criterion for giving a book one star is the notion that you don't agree with its thesis, then you obviously live in a fragile world and are incapable of being challenged intellectually. This book is of the upmost importance for the conservative to read and digest. In developing a coherent narrative of the United States, you need to wrestle with its sins and determine, despite our historical shortcomings and transgressions, what is it that makes this imperfect union the pinnacle of nation states if one agrees with that prospect. For the liberal, you should not view Zinn's work as the last word on anything, but rather use it as a stepping stone to further develop your own historical understanding and consider how well has American done on a relative scale in light of the political, societal and human failings that have marred all human civilizations. This book is well worth the challenges it presents, and should be a 5 star treat for the conservative who loves his country and wants to develop the most cogent and nuanced argument as to why that is the case despite those unsettling realities to be found in this book as well as the liberal who wants to give voice to his disaffection with certain aspects of American society and the reasons why we need to change it. This is not another tool in the mindless and poisonous Manichean bifurcation of American politics. It is a vehicle to help you strengthen and deepen your understanding of US history, regardless from which direction you are coming. Recommended to all who are interested in the journey of learning as opposed to a presupposed outcome that serves a vested interest.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2010
★★★★★ 5
A 50 carat learning gem
The teaching of American history in elementary and middle schools reminds one of the cleaning of a commode: any rings or crud are removed and the bowl is disinfected. It then looks shiny and pretty, as if no foul stuffs were ever deposited in it. The tall tales and antiseptic methodologies employed in the teaching of American history in these citadels of bias are finally being countered by some historians, who are also clearly biased but self-consciously so. They do not hesitate to study the foul stuffs that have been part of the history of the United States, and are willing to put up with the strong odors thereof. What results in their writings is a compilation of the facts that are left unreported by the sycophants of established educational hierarchies. The picture they paint is not a pretty one, but for those who desire the bare, naked truth, and not the stale platitudes of whitewashed historical analysis, it can be a grand viewing.
The author of this book is one of these new historians, and he does not hesitate to dig deep into the real stories that have remained hidden for decades. Historical analysis of course is more then muckracking, and requires an accounting of what has occurred in the past without blinders. It also must put to rest the notion that historical events are controlled by a ruling elite, and the latter are not the distinguishing features of history. History is not a history of kings, queens, and princesses. They play a role but it is an ancillary one. The title of this book refreshingly reminds us of this. History is governed and directed by the actions of many individuals, known and unknown. The author calls them "the people", and their story is told unabashedly in this book.
The author is clearly a socialist, but his attitude is one of a healthy skepticism towards government, and justified distrust of the military establishment. He reminds us that the draft was in place as early as the Revolutionary War, as were the exceptions granted for avoidance of it. For example in Connecticut Yale students and faculty were exempted from the draft, as were ministers and various government officials. There was also the familiar schism between officers and "ordinary" soldiers, and any in the latter class who chose not to respect this distinction were whipped severely. Wealthy individuals dominated the Continental Congress, but most "ordinary" soldiers were not getting paid. Some groups of "ordinary" soldiers rebelled and some executed by firing squad when the rebellion was suppressed (in one case by soldiers of George Washington himself who led the suppression). The author's commentary and documentation on the Revolutionary War certainly act as a counterexample against the belief that this war had universal support and thought of as a noble cause by the general populace of the time. The Revolutionary War, like all other wars, was an ugly, messy affair, and had its share of false patriotism, brutality, and cowardice, and it affected many other peoples that had no interest or stake in it: native American tribes such as the Iroquois and the Mohawk. These tribes did not come under the umbrella of the Declaration of Independence. Some of these tribes therefore launched, with complete justification, a guerilla war against the new American citizenry, especially when the latter decided to push westward and indulge itself in the forced acquisition of land.
The author tells us of the smallpox biological warfare launched against the Appalachian tribes by the British, causing a major epidemic. He tell us of the thousands of black slaves who fought with the British in the Revolutionary War, as did the majority of the Indian tribes. He tell us of the keeping of slaves by Thomas Jefferson throughout his life, of the fact that most of the authors of the Constitution were men of wealth, and none were slaves, indentured servants, women, or men without property. He tell us of Shay's rebellion and its counter, the Riot Act, which allowed authorities to keep people in jail without trial, and of the defiance of Anne Hutchinson against the church fathers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He tells us of New Jersey's rescinding of women's right to vote in 1807, of a "feminist" movement as early as the 1840's, and of the founding in 1821 of the Troy Female Seminary by Emma Willard.
The author reminds us that the war of 1812 was a conflict waged for expansion into Florida, Canada, and Indian territories, that Congress deliberately and without hesitation appropriated money for war against the Seminoles, and that President Van Buren openly bragged to Congress about the forced removal of Cherokees from lands east of the Mississippi. He reminds us of the doctrine of "manifest destiny" and its justification of the brutal war against Mexico waged by President James Polk in the 1840's with the jingoistic assistance of the newspapers (no other course would be rational some of them reported), with Mexico losing half its territory in the 1848 treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. He reminds us of the Anti-Renter movement in the Hudson valley of New York, and that the Renssalaer family at one time ruled over eighty thousand tenants. He reminds us of Dorr's Rebellion in Rhode Island that attacked the idea, and its perpetrators, that only landowners could vote.
So yes, there is much in this book that is fascinating and that is food for a hungry and inquisitive mind. It certainly goes against the mainstream view, and any teacher of history will probably come under fire from those who employ them if they decide to discuss the facts and analysis in this book. The history of the United States has been one of brutality mixed with brilliance, the former of which is emphasized in the pages of this book. A future treatise might emphasize the latter, and together they can give a more accurate picture of what the United States is, what it has been, and its future potential.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2006
★★★★★ 5
An amazing book ...
Format: Paperback
An amazing book. Reading the book helped me understand why the US is experiencing difficulties in "perceived righteousness" today. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to change the World for the better.
Howard Zinn is a benevolent hacker: the kind of hacker I would like my children to be, and why not: all children to be.
For me, Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States hacks history and defines a problem and offers a solution:
1. The problem: a one-sided patriotic history enslaves the masses,
2. The solution: a bottom-up, humanistic history empowers everyone and opens the doors for future reconciliations among different communities.(1)
At this critical juncture of human history both are relevant not only for the US but rather for our race.
A one-sided patriotic bias in history: at what cost?
1. hides wrongdoings and the associated guilt,
2. serves as the first line of defense to deflect current & future criticisms for the past & current mistakes,
3. tampers data gathering, silences questioning & divergence of opinions,
4. reduces communication among communities,
5. defines “the patriotic” and increases the chances of populating the armed forces,
6. defines the other: “the unpatriotic,”
7. increases insecurities,
8. evokes fears (of retribution, etc.)
9. can be misused to justify violence against “the other,”
10. builds a common memory for the masses, builds their egos so that these egos can later be exploited,
11. allows the word “culture” to be used as an equivalence: American culture = being American; (2)
12. a politician can mix these facts to incite emotional reactions of the masses and eventually reach a higher number of votes in a predetermined direction, inexpensively,
13. at school, in the media, in speeches of politicians, and during different rituals (starting with reciting the pledge of allegiance and singing of the national anthem) the patriotic history is repeated and reinforced. Under these conditions, the masses learn to repeat what is given to them. They shun away from questioning further. Their concept of free-will is replaced by a misplaced trust. They learn not to deviate from the norm: they are enslaved and are not even aware of this enslavement.
Many words lose their meaning: “a more perfect Union” “Justice” “secure the Blessings of Liberty,” “democracy.” A higher degree of cynicism and later a deep feeling of helplessness ensue. There are costs to the individual, the family, the society. Since many worldwide look up to the US morally, the use of one-sided patriotic history in the US produces world leaders who imitate bad examples. Consequently, Humanity pays dearly.
A bottom-up, humanistic history empowers everyone:
1. can eliminate ignorance,
2. can eliminate convenient forgetfulness,
3. can eliminate arrogance,
4. improve self-esteem, communication, & understanding
5. can reduce violence,
6. can empower the individuals and the masses: psychologically and economically and thus improve the quality of life,
7. can help the path to sustainable peace.
Among the different communities, the wounds are real. A one-sided history often does not address all of these wounds. Denial freezes any possibility of a reconciliation. A reconciliation process would pass through an acceptance of a historical wrong doing.
In time, mankind may realize that what Howard Zinn has started may be the building blocks of sustainable peace.
As a new year starts, I wish upon all of us: nations, creeds, ethnicities, etc. our very own Howard Zinns.
(1) In the US, these communities can be whites, blacks, American Indians, Mexicans, WASPS, Catholics, Jews, Moslems, Chinese, Japanese, etc. In Turkey, where I am from, these communities include the seculars, non-seculars, Alevites, Armenians, Greeks, Jews, Kurds, etc.
(2) Most of us are led to believe that “being” American/WASP/Jewish/Moslem/... is a “culture;” we almost always have these attributes thanks to coincidences; i.e. we are born into these “states;” how can a state that is largely a coincidence, be culture? I would suggest that only what is done through our free-will is deemed culture. Interestingly worldwide, the education systems, the media, and politicians use and propagate the word “culture” to imply largely a static state, rather than the result of a willful action.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2016
★★★★★ 5
Good quality
Format: School & Library Binding
Perfect!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
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