Quick answer: Claret cup cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Well-draining, dry, favors (not restricted to) volcanic-origin soils |
| Bloom | Apr-May |
| Height | Stems ~10 in long, clumps to 3-4 ft across |
| Wildlife value | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Claret cup cactus
Where is Claret cup cactus native?
Claret cup cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) is native to Texas. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Claret cup cactus bloom?
Claret cup cactus blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Claret cup cactus need?
Light: Full sun. Water: Low. Soil: Well-draining, dry, favors (not restricted to) volcanic-origin soils. Mature height: Stems ~10 in long, clumps to 3-4 ft across.
Is Claret cup cactus deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Claret cup cactus is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Claret cup cactus?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Echinocereus triglochidiatus by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Claret cup cactus.
- Drummond phlox Phlox drummondii
- Engelmann's prickly pear (cactus apple) Opuntia engelmannii
- Huisache Vachellia farnesiana
- Mealy blue sage Salvia farinacea
- Texas mountain laurel Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
- Agarita Mahonia trifoliolata
Also listed under
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