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Cylindropuntia bigelovii (Teddybear Cholla)

Teddybear Cholla, Jumping Cholla, Golden Spined Jumping Cholla, Teddy-Bear Cactus, Oso de Peluche, Teddy-Bear Cholla, Opuntia bigelovii

Cylindropuntia bigelovii, Teddybear Cholla, Golden Spined Jumping Cholla, Teddy-Bear Cactus, Oso de Peluche, Teddy-Bear Cholla, Opuntia bigelovii
Cylindropuntia bigelovii, Teddybear Cholla, Golden Spined Jumping Cholla, Teddy-Bear Cactus, Oso de Peluche, Teddy-Bear Cholla, Opuntia bigelovii
Cylindropuntia bigelovii, Teddybear Cholla, Golden Spined Jumping Cholla, Teddy-Bear Cactus, Oso de Peluche, Teddy-Bear Cholla, Opuntia bigelovii
Cylindropuntia bigelovii, Teddybear 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.

  • Grows up to 3-8 ft. tall and wide (90-240 cm).
  • This desert plant is easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Very little supplemental water to establish and none once established. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Native to Arizona, California, Nevada, Baja California.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Cactaceae
Genus Cylindropuntia, Opuntia
Common names Cholla 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
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Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cylindropuntia fulgida (Jumping Cholla)
Cylindropuntia imbricata (Tree Cholla)
Cylindropuntia echinocarpa (Silver Cholla)
Opuntia rufida (Blind Prickly Pear)
Opuntia fragilis (Brittle Prickly Pear)
Opuntia santa-rita Tubac™ (Santa Rita Prickly Pear)
View All Our Cylindropuntia

Recommended Companion Plants

Larrea tridentata (Creosote Bush)
Encelia farinosa (Brittlebush)
Sphaeralcea ambigua (Desert Mallow)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Cholla Cactus: Iconic Desert Plants
Succulents
Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)
Great Perennials as Companion Plants for Your Succulents
Great Ornamental Grasses as Companion Plants for Your Succulents
Great Shrubs as Companion Plants for Your Succulents
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Climate Zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Cactaceae
Genus Cylindropuntia, Opuntia
Common names Cholla 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 Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)
Not sure which Cylindropuntia (Cholla Cactus) to pick?
Compare Now

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