{"product_id":"echinocereus-ledingii-leding-s-hedgehog-cactus-arizona-mountain-collector-cactus","title":"Echinocereus ledingii | Leding’s Hedgehog Cactus | Arizona Mountain Collector Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a distinctive mountain-dwelling cactus native to a limited area of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esoutheastern Arizona\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where it grows on rocky slopes in interior chaparral and open oak woodland. Mature plants form relatively open clusters of upright cylindrical stems, typically developing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–15 branches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from the base. Individual stems can reach approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15–50 cm (6–20 inches) tall and 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 inches) in diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe stems carry approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12–14, occasionally up to 16 ribs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with pale to golden-yellow radial spines and one or more stronger central spines. The characteristic central spine may curve sharply downward near its base, although this feature is variable and is not by itself sufficient for identification. Mature plants produce beautiful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emagenta to rose-pink flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, giving a striking contrast against the golden spination and upright green stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus ledingii is endemic to southeastern Arizona\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with reliably documented populations in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePinaleño (Graham), Santa Teresa, and Chiricahua Mountains\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants occur at approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1,200–2,000 meters (3,940–6,560 feet)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e elevation on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erocky mountain slopes, interior chaparral, and oak woodland\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with populations particularly associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eigneous substrates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This geology is an important part of its ecology and distinguishes it from many cacti associated primarily with limestone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe xerophytic communities occupied by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e can contain an impressive assortment of other drought-adapted plants. Ecological-site records encompassing habitat for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e also document species such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus fendleri, Echinocereus rigidissimus, Echinomastus intertextus, Escobaria vivipara, Ferocactus wislizeni, Mammillaria grahamii, Mammillaria heyderi var. macdougalii,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAgave parryi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnother particularly interesting succulent with documented habitat overlap is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGraptopetalum rusbyi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a small Crassulaceae species of rocky Arizona canyon slopes. Habitat records for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eG. rusbyi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e specifically list \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e among its accompanying plants, together with xerophytes including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMammillaria viridiflora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and other southwestern cacti.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering Information:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering occurs primarily during \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMay and June\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in habitat. The flowers are broadly funnel-shaped and approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) long and wide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emagenta to rose-pink inner tepals that become darker toward the base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and contrasting yellow anthers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fruit is fleshy, approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e20–30 mm long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, initially green and sometimes developing reddish or brownish coloration. In habitat, fruits mature approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethree and a half months after flowering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in an exceptionally well-drained, predominantly mineral substrate that reflects the species' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erocky, igneous mountain habitat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. A mixture containing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epumice, lava rock, decomposed granite, coarse grit, and a modest amount of organic material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is appropriate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is no ecological reason to build the mix around limestone for this species. Excellent drainage and strong root aeration are considerably more important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater thoroughly during active spring and summer growth, allowing the substrate to dry well between waterings. Reduce watering substantially as temperatures fall and keep the root system comparatively dry during winter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical conservative range is approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSDA Zones 8b–10\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, provided plants have excellent drainage and remain relatively dry during freezing weather.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCultivation references have reported dry tolerance approaching approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10°F (-12°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but this should be considered an approximate lower survival limit rather than a routine cultivation temperature. Provenance, acclimation, duration of freezing, and especially winter moisture can dramatically affect cold tolerance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts natural occurrence as high as approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2,000 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e confirms that this is a genuinely cold-tolerant mountain cactus rather than a frost-sensitive low-desert species. Cold combined with saturated soil remains considerably more hazardous than brief dry frost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebright light to full sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with particularly strong illumination during spring and autumn. Adequate light encourages compact stems, strong golden spination, and dependable flowering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause natural populations also occur within interior chaparral and open oak woodland, plants do not necessarily require relentless exposed desert sun. In very hot low-elevation climates, some protection from intense afternoon summer heat can be beneficial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation is primarily from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, especially when maintaining geographically documented material. Seed-grown plants develop the natural growth habit of the species and preserve genetic variation within individual mountain populations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature specimens naturally branch from the base and can develop \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–15 stems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, so established plants may also provide offsets suitable for vegetative propagation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector's Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus ledingii was described by Robert Hibbs Peebles in 1936\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCactus and Succulent Journal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The type was collected by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLouis Wankum on July 11, 1935, on Mt. Graham in Graham County, Arizona, at approximately 4,500 feet elevation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e; the type specimen is recorded as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUS 1634004\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe species was named in honor of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA. R. Leding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an early student and collector of southwestern cacti. Historical Smithsonian records document A. R. Leding supplying Arizona cactus collections during the 1920s, providing additional context for his involvement with the southwestern cactus flora.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe species has periodically been treated as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus fendleri var. ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, particularly following Nigel P. Taylor's 1985 combination. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKew's Plants of the World Online currently accepts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as a distinct species and treats \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus fendleri\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as a synonym.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdentification requires some care. The strongly downward-curving central spine historically associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e can also occur in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus coccineus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. arizonicus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Modern work therefore rejects many older locality reports and restricts confidently documented populations to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePinaleño, Santa Teresa, and Chiricahua Mountains\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat restricted mountain distribution, preference for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eigneous rocky terrain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, golden spination, magenta spring flowers, and association with Arizona's chaparral–oak woodland transition make \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus ledingii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e an especially interesting species for collectors of geographically documented North American cacti.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis is for one plant similar to the one shown growing in a 4\" inch container shipped bare root. All of our plants are guaranteed pest-free and healthy upon delivery, and we ship within the United States. Shipping is done Monday thru Friday.\u003cbr\u003eAny questions please ask.\u003cbr\u003e#prsucculents\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","offers":[{"title":"4 Inch","offer_id":47341344227497,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/7391\/0096\/files\/20260720_174248.jpg?v=1786489231","url":"https:\/\/prsucculents.com\/products\/echinocereus-ledingii-leding-s-hedgehog-cactus-arizona-mountain-collector-cactus","provider":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","version":"1.0","type":"link"}