Tree Cholla

(Cylindropuntia imbricata)

Tree Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata)

Elsa Eliuth from Mexico City, Mexico

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Elsa Eliuth from Mexico City, Mexico

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Elsa Eliuth from Mexico City, Mexico | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Cylindroputnia_imbricata.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Cylindropuntia imbricata, commonly known as Tree Cholla, is an evergreen succulent native to arid and semi-arid regions including deserts, plains, grasslands, and scrublands in the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. It can grow to a typical height of about 1 meter (3 feet), with a "trunk" diameter of 25 cm (9.8 inches). The width is often similar to or somewhat greater than the height, giving it a shrubby or tree-like appearance. The stems are covered with clusters of up to about 10 red to pink spines, which may be 3 cm (1.2 inches) long, barbed, and sharp. Tree Cholla blooms in late spring or early summer, featuring purple or magenta flowers, and occasionally rose-pink, that are about 5 cm (2.0 inches) wide. The yellowish fruits are tubercular, resembling the stems, and are often mistaken for flowers.

Tree Cholla is valued for its unique form and the visual interest it adds to xeriscapes and rock gardens. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it a suitable choice for gardeners in arid climates. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. While it is relatively disease-free, its sharp spines can make handling difficult, and it should be planted where it will not pose a hazard to people or pets. Due to its potential invasiveness, caution should be exercised when planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulent
Height: 3-15 feet
Width: 3-6 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Purple, Pink
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Very Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to arid and semi-arid regions including deserts, plains, grasslands, and scrublands in the Southern United States and Northern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Candelabrum Cactus, Cane Cactus, Cane Cholla, Walking Stick Cholla, Chain-Link Cactus, Rope-Pear, Imbricate Cactus, Imbricate Prickly-Pear, Devil’s-Rope, Imbrikaatkaktus

Scientific Names: , Cylindropuntia imbricata, Opuntia imbricata var. imbricata, Cylindropuntia imbricata var. imbricata, Opuntia magna, Opuntia vexans, Opuntia imbricata var. ramosior, Cactus imbricatus, Opuntia costigera, Opuntia galeottii

GBIF Accepted Name: Cylindropuntia imbricata (Haw.) F.M.Knuth