- Barrel Cacti are a group of cacti known for their barrel-shaped appearance - They are native to the deserts of southwestern US and northwestern Mexico - The Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Wislizeni) is the most common barrel cactus in Southern Arizona ... these iconic Sonoran Desert plants grow 2 to 6 feet tall, feature thick hooked spines that glow bright red when wet, and bloom with yellow, orange, or red flowers in the summer