San Pedro Cactus

The San Pedro Cactus, scientifically known as Echinopsis pachanoi (formerly Trichocereus pachanoi), is a fast-growing and striking columnar cactus highly valued for its imposing stature and historical significance. Native to the Andes Mountains of South America, particularly in Peru and Ecuador, it thrives at higher elevations in dry, rocky regions, but often in areas that receive more rainfall than typical desert cacti. It is adaptable to a range of well-drained soils and can tolerate a variety of climates, from arid to more temperate zones, provided it has good drainage and adequate sunlight. As a long-lived perennial, the San Pedro Cactus can persist for many decades, often 50 years or more, forming large, multi-stemmed clumps.

Its most distinctive characteristic is its stout, blue-green to dark green columnar stems, which are typically less spiny than many other cacti, often having short, yellow-brown spines along the ribs. The stems have prominent ribs (usually 4-8), and can grow remarkably fast, often 1-2 feet per year, reaching heights of 10-20 feet in cultivation and even taller in its native habitat. It readily branches from the base, forming impressive candelabra-like clusters or dense thickets. In summer, mature San Pedro cacti produce large, fragrant, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach 8-10 inches in diameter and bloom primarily at night, often lasting until the following morning. These beautiful blooms are followed by edible, reddish-orange fruits. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the San Pedro Cactus has a rich cultural history, having been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in traditional ceremonies for its psychoactive properties. Its rapid growth, impressive size, and relatively easy cultivation make the San Pedro Cactus a popular choice for xeriscaping, large desert gardens (such as those in Phoenix, Arizona, where it thrives with supplemental water), and as a dramatic architectural specimen.