Teddybear Cholla, Jumping Cholla, Golden Spined Jumping Cholla, Teddy-Bear Cactus, Oso de Peluche, Teddy-Bear Cholla, Opuntia bigelovii
A spectacular cactus of the Southwestern United States, Cylindropuntia bigelovii (Teddybear Cholla) is a slow-growing, small, erect tree-like cactus with a distinct trunk topped with stubby branches densely covered with silvery-white spines, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). From a distance, the stems appear soft and fuzzy, resembling the arms of a teddy bear. But to not get too close. The soft appearance is due to the incredible mass of formidable spines that completely cover the stems and are notorious for attaching themselves to the skin or clothes of passersby. The lower branches usually fall off, giving the cactus a vertical appearance and its trunk darkens with age. In spring and summer, greenish-yellow flowers, often streaked with lavender, are produced at the tips of the stems. Teddybear Cholla is a stunning addition to the desert or cacti garden with its dense, furry arms and glowing spines that turn the plant into a golden torch when backlit.
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
| Plant Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Common names | Cholla, Jumping Cholla, Oso de Peluche, Teddy-Bear Cactus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
| Spread |
3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
| Spacing | 120" (3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | Arizona, California, Nevada, Southwest, United States |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
| Plant Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Common names | Cholla, Jumping Cholla, Oso de Peluche, Teddy-Bear Cactus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
| Spread |
3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
| Spacing | 120" (3m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | Arizona, California, Nevada, Southwest, United States |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
How many Cylindropuntia bigelovii (Teddybear Cholla) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindropuntia bigelovii (Teddybear Cholla) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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