California Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) is in the cacti family (Cactaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,848 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to April, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph California Barrel Cactus: observations by month (U.S.)
About California Barrel Cactus
Ferocactus cylindraceus is a species of barrel cactus which is known by several common names, including California barrel cactus, Desert barrel cactus, and miner's compass. It was first described by George Engelmann in 1853.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
California Barrel Cactus by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,627 | March | Mar–Apr |
| Arizona | 147 | May | Mar–Aug |
| Nevada | 74 | June | Jun–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (cacti)
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph California Barrel Cactus?
Nationally, March has the most observations, with the main season from March to April.
Where is California Barrel Cactus most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Arizona, Nevada.