Devil's Root

Lophophora williamsii (loh-foh-FOR-ah WIL-yam-see-eye)

Family: Cactaceae Unknown Groundcover (<1 ft)

Peyote is a succulent subshrub and a species of hallucinogenic cactus that is native to South and Southwest, Texas and Northeast Mexico. It is typically found in limestone soils of the desert or dry shrubland. Peyote is low-growing, small, solitary and rarely grow in clusters, grayish-green or bluish-green, and spineless. The plant is slow-growing and takes 10 to 30 years for it to mature and flower. It is a member of the cactus family (Cactaceae). The species was dedicated to Mr. Williams, a zealous amateur from the London area ["...dédié à M. Williams, zélé amateur des environs de Londres."]. This plant prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. It naturally grows in gravelly well-drained loam soils or may be also grown in a well-drained cactus potting mix. Water this plant sparingly and allow it to dry out completely between waterings. It is drought and poor soil tolerant. Low humidity and temperatures between 64 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended. The plant needs protection from exposure to cold temperatures to prevent damage. The plant may be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or division of pups. Peyote grows nearly flush with the soil surface, and it is up to 5 inches wide and up to 3 inches above the ground and has fleshy, carrot-shaped roots. The stems are soft, spineless, fleshy, flat, and nearly hemispherical or globular-like with the low rounded sections bearing a tuft of yellow-white hairs at the summit. The stems are depressed in the center and have 5 to 13 ribs. The flowers appear in the center of the stem and measure 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter. They have elliptic-shaped outer and inner tepals. The white to pink flowers bloom during the summer from May to September. After flowering, a berry fruit is produced that will ripen up to one year later. The peyote contains psychoactive alkaloids including mescaline, which has hallucinogenic effects. The sale, use or possession of the dried "buttons" or live plants is federally prohibited in many places; however, there are exemptions for use in religious rites of Native Americans. Peyote is illegal in most parts of the Western world. Check with your federal, state, and local authorities before using or cultivating this plant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Spider mites and mealybugs can occur and are its primary pests. Overwatering can cause root rot. Low humidity and good air circulation is required to prevent fungal diseases.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 49 attributes.