The barrel cactus is not a source of water for the thirsty desert hiker. Not only is it protected by federal law, but its private liquid supply is a slimy alkaline juice. Unlike most cacti it blooms mid to late summer and its flowers encircle its top. Rodents and deer enjoy its ripe yellow fruits. Though they can grow to 11' high and 2' in diameter, in this area (which is as a high an altitude as they can take) they reach about 3' in height and 1' in diameter.