Cylindropuntia imbricata

Common Names: Cane Cholla, Walking Stick Cholla, Tree Cholla

Appearance

A branching, tree-like cactus with thick, cylindrical, segmented stems covered in spiny tubercles.

Stems are deep green to bluish-green and lined with long, sharp, golden to gray spines.

Can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, forming a dense, shrubby structure.

Care & Growing Conditions

Light: Prefers full sun; strong sunlight promotes healthy growth and spine development.

Soil: Well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil; tolerates poor soils.

Watering: Highly drought-tolerant; water sparingly and allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Temperature: Thrives in USDA zones 5-10; can withstand cold temperatures down to -10°F (-23°C).

Humidity: Prefers dry conditions and does not tolerate excessive moisture.

Flower

Produces vibrant magenta to purple, cup-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer.

Flowers give way to yellow, spiny fruits that persist into winter.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets, but spines and glochids can cause severe skin irritation if touched.