Echinocereus — 10 species

Echinocereus is a genus of ribbed, densely-spined cacti native to the deserts of the American Southwest and northern Mexico. The Claret Cup (E. triglochidiatus), Lace Cactus (E. reichenbachii), and Texas Rainbow Cactus are grown for their vivid spring flowers in red, magenta, and purple. They demand full sun — at least six hours daily — and sharply draining soil, with watering confined to the active growing season and near-dry conditions in winter. Toxicity is not uniform across the genus, so check individual species before buying if pets are present.