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(Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
Teddybear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
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Jean Pawek
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
Jean Pawek
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jean Pawek | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ | Attribution: 2017 Jean Pawek | Publisher: Calphotos |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cylindropuntia bigelovii, commonly known as Teddybear Cholla, is an evergreen succulent native to the Sonoran and Colorado deserts of Mexico, Baja California, Arizona and particularly Southern California. It thrives in arid desert ecosystems, often on sandy or gravelly soils. This plant typically stands 1 to 5 ft (0.30 to 1.52 m) tall and is notable for its dense covering of spines that give it a deceptively soft, fuzzy appearance, hence the name "teddy bear." The spines are a protective adaptation to deter herbivores. Teddybear Cholla blooms in the spring, producing flowers that can be yellow, green, red, or white, though they are not particularly showy due to the overwhelming presence of spines.
Teddybear Cholla is valued for its unique, sculptural form which makes it a striking addition to xeriscapes and rock gardens. It is also used in habitat restoration projects within its native range. This cactus requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun and tolerating extreme heat and drought. It is best grown in well-draining soils and does not require frequent watering, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. However, gardeners should handle it with care due to its sharp spines, and it should be planted away from high-traffic areas to prevent injury.CC BY-SA 4.0
Teddybear Cholla is valued for its unique, sculptural form which makes it a striking addition to xeriscapes and rock gardens. It is also used in habitat restoration projects within its native range. This cactus requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun and tolerating extreme heat and drought. It is best grown in well-draining soils and does not require frequent watering, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. However, gardeners should handle it with care due to its sharp spines, and it should be planted away from high-traffic areas to prevent injury.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 3-8 feet
- Width: 2-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to the Sonoran and Colorado deserts of Mexico, Baja California, Arizona and particularly Southern California
Other Names
Common Names: Pink Teddy-Bear Cholla , Mason Valley Cholla
Scientific Names: Cylindropuntia bigelovii , Cylindropuntia ×fosbergii , Opuntia bigelovii var. bigelovii , Cylindropuntia bigelovii var. bigelovii , Cylindropuntia bigelovii subsp. bigelovii , Opuntia fosbergii , Opuntia bigelovii var. hoffmannii , Grusonia ×fosbergii , Opuntia bigelowii var. hoffmannii , Opuntia fulgida var. hoffmannii
GBIF Accepted Name: Cylindropuntia ×fosbergii (C.B.Wolf) Rebman, M.A.Baker & Pinkava