The Cholla Cactus, including the infamous Jumping Cholla and the deceptively soft Teddy Bear Cholla, is a resilient desert plant known for its barbed, easily-detachable spines and ability to thrive in harsh, arid environments.
The Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia genus) is a unique and fascinating cactus native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Known for its striking appearance and spiny texture, this cactus plays an important role in desert ecosystems while being both a challenge and a beauty in desert landscaping.
The Cholla Cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family, which also includes the popular Chrismas cactus, prickly pear (opuntia), pincushion cactus (mammillaria), and the iconic saguaro cactus and San Pedro cactus.
Cholla is easily recognized by its segmented, cylindrical stems covered in dense spines. These spines are often encased in a papery sheath, giving the plant a somewhat fuzzy appearance from a distance. While beautiful, the spines are formidable and can detach easily, becoming embedded in anything that brushes against the cactus.
Cholla cacti were originally classified under the Opuntia genus but have since been reclassified into their own genus, Cylindropuntia. Cholla and Opuntia share traits like segmented stems and spines, but key differences exist. Cholla has cylindrical stems and barbed spines that detach easily, while Opuntia (like the prickly pear) features flat, paddle-shaped stems, often called pads. The reclassification helps to distinguish the unique characteristics of Cholla from the pad-bearing Opuntia species.
Sonoran Desert – Teddy Bear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii) and Saguaro Cactus (Canegiea gigantea)
The Cholla Cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is commonly found in Arizona, California, Nevada, and parts of Texas, as well as in Baja California and Sonora, Mexico. Cholla cacti prefer hot, arid climates and are well-adapted to desert environments.
They thrive in well-draining soils, particularly sandy or rocky areas, and can often be found on desert slopes, flatlands, and dry washes. Cholla cacti are famous for their ability to thrive in extremely harsh conditions, withstanding intense heat, drought, and poor soils.
The Cholla Cactus is a dominant plant in some areas of the Sonoran Desert, contributing to the unique and stunning landscape.
There are about 35 species of Cholla, ranging from low-growing shrubs to tall, tree-like forms. Some popular species include:
Here are some of the most popular and well-known species of Cholla Cactus:
Jumping Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida): Known for its easily detachable segments that appear to “jump” onto passersby, making it one of the most notorious species. Its fruit grows in chains, hence the name “Chain Fruit Cholla,” and persists on the plant for years. It is common in desert landscapes and easily recognizable due to its distinctive fruiting habit.
Teddy Bear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii): Despite its cuddly appearance, this species has dense, golden spines that are incredibly sharp. It’s one of the most visually striking Cholla species and popular in desert landscapes.
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula): A smaller species, known for its slender, pencil-like stems and low-growing habit. It’s often used in landscaping for its more compact growth compared to other Chollas.
Staghorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia versicolor): Named for its antler-like branches, this Cholla comes in a variety of colors, from green to purple. It produces beautiful purple or pink flowers and is commonly found in the Sonoran Desert.
Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa): Known for its tall, branched structure, Buckhorn Cholla produces yellow, red, or purple flowers, making it a colorful addition to desert gardens.
Christmas Cholla (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis): A thinner, more delicate species with red berries that persist through the winter, earning it the name “Christmas Cholla.”
Silver Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa): Recognized for its silvery, reflective spines, this species is commonly found in the Mojave Desert and produces yellow or greenish flowers.
These species are popular for their unique appearances and adaptation to desert environments, making them iconic elements of desert landscapes.
Silver Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)
The Cholla Cactus is a perennial, spiny succulent. Depending on the species, Chollas can grow as shrubs or tree-like structures, reaching heights up to 13 feet (4 meters). They reproduce easily through stem segments that break off, root, and form new plants.
The size of the Cholla Cactus varies greatly depending on the species. Smaller species, such as the Whipple Cholla (Cylindropuntia whipplei), often grow to only 30 inches (75 cm) in height, while larger species, like the Chain Fruit Cholla, can grow as tall as 13 feet (4 meters).
Chollas generally have a spread that matches their height, with some species forming dense, sprawling colonies as their segments break off and root nearby.
Cholla cacti produce striking flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The flowers range in color from bright yellow to pink, purple, and orange, depending on the species. The blooms are typically cup-shaped and appear on the ends of the branches, adding a pop of color to the desert landscape.
The flowering period is relatively short, but the brightly colored flowers are a spectacular sight against the backdrop of the desert. The flowers are followed by the formation of fruits, which can persist on the plant for extended periods.
Tree Cholla or Cane Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata)
The fruit of the Cholla Cactus is typically cylindrical and can be covered with small, hair-like spines or glochids. These fruits are often green or yellow and can remain on the plant for many years, forming long chains on some species, like the Chain Fruit Cholla. While not commonly consumed by humans, the fruit is an important food source for desert wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
The Cholla Cactus, like most cacti, does not have traditional leaves. Instead, its segmented, cylindrical stems serve as the primary photosynthetic structures. The stems are thick and fleshy, designed to store water during drought. The spines on the stems protect the plant from herbivores and help reduce water loss by shading the plant’s surface.
Cholla Cactus spines are typically 0.25 to 1 inch (6 to 25 mm) long, though this can vary by species. The spines are often white, yellow, or golden, and they may darken to brown or gray with age. Encased in a papery sheath, the spines give the cactus a fuzzy appearance from a distance.
The spines of the Cholla are often barbed, making them particularly difficult to remove once they’ve become embedded in skin or fur. In addition to protecting the plant, these spines are highly efficient at catching water and directing it toward the roots.
Diamond Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia ramosissima)
The Cholla Cactus has both practical and ornamental uses:
Cholla cacti are important components of the desert ecosystem. The plant’s dense, spiny branches provide protection and shelter for various desert animals. Birds, such as the cactus wren and Gila woodpecker, often build their nests within the spiny arms of Cholla cacti to protect themselves from predators.
The fruit of the Cholla is also an important food source for desert wildlife, including birds, rodents, and insects.
While the Cholla Cactus is not toxic, its spines can cause significant physical harm. The spines are often barbed, making them difficult to remove once embedded in the skin. This can lead to pain, irritation, and infection if not properly treated.
Cholla segments are known to detach easily and can become attached to animals or people who come into contact with the plant. It’s important to handle Cholla cacti carefully to avoid injury.
Jumping Cholla or Chain Fruit Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida)
As a desert plant, the Cholla Cactus is highly drought-tolerant. Its thick, fleshy stems store water for long periods, allowing it to survive extended dry spells. This makes it an ideal plant for xeriscaping and low-water gardens in arid regions.
Cholla cacti are not generally considered invasive but can spread quickly in ideal conditions, especially in sandy or rocky soils. The plant’s segments break off easily and can root where they fall, creating new plants. In some areas, Cholla cacti can form dense thickets that are difficult to navigate or remove. Some Cholla species are listed as invasive in Australia, the Pacific Islands, and South Africa.
Cholla Cactus Garden – Joshua Tree National Park
Cholla cactus spines are extremely painful when they penetrate the skin. The spines are barbed, making them difficult to remove and causing more tissue damage as they embed further. Contact with the cactus can cause immediate pain, swelling, and even minor bleeding. Their barbed spines latch on tightly, leading to discomfort when trying to pull them out.
Cholla cacti are called “Jumping Cactus” because their spines detach so easily upon contact that it feels like they “jump” onto passersby. The spines can cling to animals or people with even the slightest brush, and due to their barbed nature, they stick to skin or clothing, making it seem like they jumped.
If you get pricked by a Cholla Cactus, the barbed spines will likely lodge deeply into your skin, making removal difficult and painful. It’s important to remove the spines carefully to avoid infection. Tweezers can help, but sometimes the barbed spines break off under the skin, requiring more careful removal. In some cases, it may cause swelling, irritation, or bleeding, but it’s usually not dangerous.
Cholla cacti are valued for ornamental purposes in desert gardens due to their unique appearance and resilience. Some indigenous cultures used parts of the Cholla for food, medicine, and even building materials. Cholla skeletons (dried wood) are often used in crafts, furniture, and decoration. Additionally, they provide shelter for desert wildlife, such as birds that nest within their spiny branches.
In some regions, it can be illegal to remove Cholla skeletons (the dried wood of dead Cholla cacti) from public lands or certain private properties without permission. Laws vary depending on the location, so it’s important to check local regulations before collecting Cholla skeletons. In protected areas, removing any natural resources, including dead plant material, is often prohibited.
Yes, the fruit of certain Cholla cactus species is edible. The buds and fruits were traditionally harvested by Native Americans and eaten after the spines were carefully removed. The fruit is a good source of calcium and can be eaten raw or cooked, though it is not as commonly consumed today. The Chain Fruit Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida) is one species known for its edible fruit.
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
|---|---|
| Plant Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cylindropuntia |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Native Plants | Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Southwest, Texas, United States |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds |
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
|---|---|
| Plant Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cylindropuntia |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Native Plants | Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Southwest, Texas, United States |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds |
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