With its blue-green skin dusted in powdery white and a neat row of golden spines, this is a truly elegant barrel cactus—one of the most popular, and a classic representative of Ferocactus (though among the "fierce ones," as the Latin name suggests, this species is actually on the cool, calm side!). Its Japanese name, "Oukanryu" (Crown Dragon), is just as impressive. Mature plants can reach about 50cm in diameter, and sometimes they produce offsets at their base, forming lush clusters. From spring through summer, it blooms with silky, lemon-yellow flowers whose sheen recalls polished silk. Unusually, the fruits left behind are pale and almost white—a rare trait unique to this species within the genus.
There's a long history of this cactus being confused with its near neighbor, 竜虎 F. echidne , but you'll notice that 竜虎 F. echidne has greener skin and sparser spines. Botanical gardens often display it alongside 金鯱 S. subcandidus var.minor , but that one has a yellow-green skin and nearly spherical shape, so it's really just a "lookalike stranger" with a very different vibe.
Native to central-eastern Mexico, especially around Hidalgo state (despite some sources saying it's only found there—it's actually spread across several states), you'll find it growing on rocky limestone slopes and dry woodlands. According to the IUCN it's classified as Least Concern, so there's no real risk of extinction. The scientific name glaucescens means "becoming blue-white," a direct nod to its signature porcelain-blue skin.
Super tough and cold-hardy (it can even take a light frost), it's perfect for rock gardens or planting outdoors. It's also so common that you'll find it even at the dollar store (100 yen shops in Japan)—making it a fantastic choice for beginners. The mature form looks incredibly cool, so if you spot one, it's well worth a try!
| Season Type | Summer |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Hardiness | -6℃ / 21℉ |
| Blooming Season | Sp Su Fa Wi |
Gray display shows general information for Ferocactus.
IUCN RedList 低危険種
CITES 低リスク 輸出入制限
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Esse daqui é um dos meus xodós, o Ferocactus glaucescens. Já tem uns 2-3 anos e ainda tem muito o que crescer https://t.co/iIhhb0nMz7
@KublaiKhan17 Ferocactus glaucescens tiene de 6 a 8 espinas color amarillo rectas, la planta es verde grisáceo. Echinocactus grusonii tiene ocho o nueve espinas ligeramente curvas, la planta es color verde brillante. La principal diferencia está en el color de la planta. https://t.co/NQH9GGysb5
Ferocactus glaucescens Britton and Rose 1922. Blauwerdender Fero. F.pfeifferi, hört man nirgendwo diesen Name. F.glaucescens ist eindeutig überall etikettiert. Neben F.latispinus und F.pilosus stainesii am häufigsten zu finden aus meiner Sicht. Dornenlose nur bei Spezialzüchter.
スーパーでお買得だったチビ達 帰宅中に王冠竜の棘が何本か取れてしまっててへこんだ。。 . #nm植物記録 #縮玉 #宇宙殿 #竜神木 #刺無王冠竜
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