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(Cylindropuntia versicolor)
Staghorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia versicolor)
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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/2.0/ | Uploader: SaguaroNPS | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cylindropuntia versicolor, commonly known as Staghorn Cholla, is an evergreen succulent shrub native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, as well as grasslands in the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 7-10 feet (2.1-3 meters) and a width of 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters), with a branching, tree-like structure. The plant is characterized by its segmented, cylindrical stems covered with spines and its showy flowers that bloom in a variety of colors including yellow, green, orange, purple, and red during the spring season.
Staghorn Cholla is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and insects. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-draining soils. While it is generally free of serious pests and diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Due to its spines, it should be planted with care in areas where people or pets will not come into accidental contact with it.CC BY-SA 4.0
Staghorn Cholla is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and insects. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-draining soils. While it is generally free of serious pests and diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Due to its spines, it should be planted with care in areas where people or pets will not come into accidental contact with it.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent, Shrub
- Height: 7-10 feet
- Width: 5-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green, Orange, Purple, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts and grasslands in the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Deerhorn Cholla, Morada Cholla
Scientific Names: , Cylindropuntia versicolor, Opuntia versicolor, Cylindropuntia thurberi subsp. versicolor, Grusonia versicolor, Opuntia arborescens var. versicolor, Opuntia thurberi subsp. versicolor, Opuntia versicolor var. versicolor, Opuntia versicolor var. violacea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cylindropuntia versicolor (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth