Walkingstick Cactus
(Cylindropuntia spinosior)
Walkingstick Cactus (Cylindropuntia spinosior)
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Cecelia Alexander
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Cecelia Alexander
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CC0 1.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cecelia Alexander | License Type: CC0 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: aspidoscelis | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cylindropuntia spinosior, commonly known as Walkingstick Cactus, is an evergreen succulent shrub native to the desert regions, semi-desert grasslands, and scrub areas of the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 0.4 to 1.2 meters and is characterized by its slender, spine-covered stems that resemble a walking stick. The flowers, which can be rose, red-purple, yellow, or white, bloom from spring to early summer and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Walkingstick Cactus is valued for its unique structural form and colorful flowers, making it a striking addition to xeriscapes, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance once established, thriving in well-drained soils and full sun conditions. While it is not commonly used for culinary or medicinal purposes, it does provide habitat and food for wildlife. Gardeners should be cautious when handling this cactus due to its sharp spines. It is potentially invasive outside its native range, so it is important to consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Walkingstick Cactus is valued for its unique structural form and colorful flowers, making it a striking addition to xeriscapes, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance once established, thriving in well-drained soils and full sun conditions. While it is not commonly used for culinary or medicinal purposes, it does provide habitat and food for wildlife. Gardeners should be cautious when handling this cactus due to its sharp spines. It is potentially invasive outside its native range, so it is important to consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent, Shrub
- Height: 4-8 feet
- Width: 4-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to desert regions, semi-desert grasslands, and scrub areas of the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Cane Cholla, Walking-Stick Cactus, Spiny Cholla
Scientific Names: , Cylindropuntia spinosior, Opuntia spinosior, Cylindropuntia imbricata subsp. spinosior, Opuntia spinosior var. neomexicana, Opuntia whipplei var. spinosior, Cylindropuntia imbricata var. spinosior, Grusonia spinosior, Opuntia spinosoir,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cylindropuntia spinosior (Toumey) F.M.Knuth