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(Cylindropuntia arbuscula)
Arizona Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula)
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Saguaro National Park
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Saguaro National Park
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Saguaro National Park | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: SaguaroNPS | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cylindropuntia arbuscula, commonly known as Arizona Pencil Cholla, is an evergreen succulent native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, as well as desert scrub and xeric shrublands in the Southwestern USA and Northeast Mexico. This plant typically grows to a height of 4-9 feet (1.2-2.7 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). It has a distinctive appearance with slender, cylindrical, jointed stems that are covered in spines, giving it a bristly texture. The Arizona Pencil Cholla blooms in the spring, producing flowers in shades of yellow, brown, red, and orange that are moderately showy and attract pollinators such as bees.
Arizona Pencil Cholla is valued for its drought tolerance and unique structural form, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with low to very low water needs. The plant prefers well-draining soils and is tolerant of poor soil conditions. While it does not have aggressive roots, its spines can be a hazard in high-traffic areas, and it may spread through dropped stem segments. Gardeners should handle this plant with care to avoid injury.CC BY-SA 4.0
Arizona Pencil Cholla is valued for its drought tolerance and unique structural form, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with low to very low water needs. The plant prefers well-draining soils and is tolerant of poor soil conditions. While it does not have aggressive roots, its spines can be a hazard in high-traffic areas, and it may spread through dropped stem segments. Gardeners should handle this plant with care to avoid injury.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 4-9 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Brown, Red, Orange
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, as well as desert scrub and xeric shrublands
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Cylindropuntia arbuscula, Opuntia arbuscula, Grusonia arbuscula,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cylindropuntia arbuscula (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth