Cephalocereus senilis
is a columnar and erect cactus 6 to 10 or even 15 meters high, simple or branching only basally. The flowering areoles develop an abundance of wool which confluently forms a dense mass called a pseudocephalium at the top or on one side near the top. The flowers are nocturnal red, yellow, or white, though the plant may not flower until 10–20 years old. The fruit usually are obovoid. The most striking feature is the shaggy coat of long, white silky hairs suggestive of unkempt hair on an old man and hence the name old man cactus, and similar names. The coat is a particularly striking silvery white on the young cactus; as the plant ages the stem begins to lose its covering. The hairs are modified spines and they make many a plant appear almost snow-white; they serve to protect the plant from frost and sun. However, the hairs are only the radial spines of the cactus; they conceal formidable sharp yellow central spines that belie the inoffensive appearance of the hairy covering.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
| Bloom Season | Late spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cephalocereus senilis |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Color | Red, yellow, or white flowers. |
| Growth Habit | Globus |
| Mature Size | 12 cm |
| Native Area | Eastern mexico |
| Resistance | 30° f |
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesGreat so far
It arrived in perfect condition and is doing well,
United StatesHairy Honey
I am absolutely crazy about this sweet little guy. Quite the hairdo!! I might just be back for a few more of these cuties.
United Statescephalocereus senilis
Much smaller than I expected for the price. Would have liked a bigger cactus.
United StatesBeautiful, and larger than I expected!
This is my favorite new cactus, it's so cute and it has the same hairdo as my grandma!
United StatesMy new favorite cactus!
Immediately fell in love with this one as soon as I unwrapped it!!!! So much fun and a totally conversation piece
- Description
- Features
Cephalocereus senilis
is a columnar and erect cactus 6 to 10 or even 15 meters high, simple or branching only basally. The flowering areoles develop an abundance of wool which confluently forms a dense mass called a pseudocephalium at the top or on one side near the top. The flowers are nocturnal red, yellow, or white, though the plant may not flower until 10–20 years old. The fruit usually are obovoid. The most striking feature is the shaggy coat of long, white silky hairs suggestive of unkempt hair on an old man and hence the name old man cactus, and similar names. The coat is a particularly striking silvery white on the young cactus; as the plant ages the stem begins to lose its covering. The hairs are modified spines and they make many a plant appear almost snow-white; they serve to protect the plant from frost and sun. However, the hairs are only the radial spines of the cactus; they conceal formidable sharp yellow central spines that belie the inoffensive appearance of the hairy covering.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
| Bloom Season | Late spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cephalocereus senilis |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Flower Color | Red, yellow, or white flowers. |
| Growth Habit | Globus |
| Mature Size | 12 cm |
| Native Area | Eastern mexico |
| Resistance | 30° f |
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesGreat so far
It arrived in perfect condition and is doing well,
United StatesHairy Honey
I am absolutely crazy about this sweet little guy. Quite the hairdo!! I might just be back for a few more of these cuties.
United Statescephalocereus senilis
Much smaller than I expected for the price. Would have liked a bigger cactus.
United StatesBeautiful, and larger than I expected!
This is my favorite new cactus, it's so cute and it has the same hairdo as my grandma!
United StatesMy new favorite cactus!
Immediately fell in love with this one as soon as I unwrapped it!!!! So much fun and a totally conversation piece