Echinocereus occurs as genus of ribbed, normally little to medium-sized cylindrical cacti, comprising about Fifty species from the southern United States and Mexico. It is ordinarily referred to as hedgehog cacti, though the term as well applies for Pediocactus. A flowers are usually big, & a fruit are edible. Virtually all Echinocereus coinage like to the full sun.

A genera Morangaya G.D.Rowley and Wilcoxia Britton & Rose have been brought into synonymy with Echinocereus.