Simpson’s Applecactus: A Rare Florida Native Worth Protecting
If you’re looking for a truly unique addition to your Florida garden, meet Simpson’s applecactus (Harrisia simpsonii) – a stunning native cactus that’s as rare as it is beautiful. This fascinating plant brings desert vibes to the Sunshine State, but there’s much more to this prickly beauty than meets the eye.
What Makes Simpson’s Applecactus Special?
Simpson’s applecactus is a perennial shrub that grows in distinctive columnar segments, creating an architectural presence in any landscape. What really sets this cactus apart are its spectacular nocturnal blooms – large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that open under the cover of darkness. These magical nighttime displays are followed by bright red fruits that give the plant its applecactus nickname.
This multi-stemmed woody plant typically reaches 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) in height, though it can grow taller under ideal conditions. Its segmented stems create an interesting sculptural quality that adds vertical interest and exotic appeal to gardens.
Where Does It Call Home?
Simpson’s applecactus is exclusively native to Florida, where it naturally occurs in the Florida Keys and the extreme southern portions of the state. This makes it a true Florida endemic – a plant found nowhere else on Earth naturally.
A Plant That Needs Our Help
Here’s where things get serious: Simpson’s applecactus has a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s imperiled due to extreme rarity. With typically only 6 to 20 occurrences and few remaining individuals (1,000 to 3,000), this species is especially vulnerable to extinction.
If you’re considering adding this remarkable plant to your garden, please only source it from reputable nurseries that practice responsible propagation. Never collect plants from the wild – doing so could push this rare species closer to extinction.
Growing Simpson’s Applecactus Successfully
The good news is that if you can source Simpson’s applecactus responsibly, it’s relatively straightforward to grow in the right conditions:
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 10b-11 only (this plant cannot tolerate frost)
- Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil is essential
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; minimal watering needed
- Moisture: Usually occurs in non-wetlands but may tolerate some wetland conditions
Planting and Care Tips
- Ensure excellent drainage – root rot is the biggest threat to cacti
- Plant in spring after any threat of cold weather has passed
- Water sparingly, especially during Florida’s rainy season
- Protect from frost at all costs – bring potted plants indoors during cold snaps
- Fertilize minimally, if at all – cacti prefer lean conditions
Perfect for Specialized Gardens
Simpson’s applecactus shines in xerophytic gardens, rock gardens, and coastal landscapes where its drought tolerance and salt tolerance make it a natural fit. It works beautifully as a specimen plant or as part of a desert-themed landscape design, adding dramatic vertical structure and exotic appeal.
Supporting Nighttime Pollinators
Those spectacular nocturnal blooms aren’t just for show – they’re perfectly designed to attract night-flying pollinators like moths and bats. By growing Simpson’s applecactus, you’re supporting these often-overlooked but crucial pollinators that are active when most other flowers have closed for the night.
The Bottom Line
Simpson’s applecactus is a remarkable native plant that deserves a place in appropriate Florida gardens – but only when sourced responsibly. Its rarity makes it a conservation priority, so if you choose to grow this stunning cactus, you become part of its preservation story. With minimal care requirements and maximum visual impact, it’s a plant that rewards thoughtful gardeners with years of architectural beauty and nighttime floral magic.
Remember: if you can’t find responsibly sourced Simpson’s applecactus, consider other native Florida cacti or drought-tolerant natives that can provide similar landscape benefits without conservation concerns.
