Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cylindropuntia imbricata (Tree Cholla)

Tree Cholla, Walking Stick Cholla, Cholla, Devil's Rope Pear, Devil's Rope Cactus, Rosea Cactus, Hudson Pear, Rope Pear, Tree Cactus, Cane Cactus, Candelabrum Cactus, Chain-link Cactus, Cane Cholla, Coyote Candles, Cactus imbricatus, Cereus imbricatus, Grusonia imbricata, Opuntia imbricata


A spectacular cactus of the Southwestern United States, Cylindropuntia imbricata (Tree Cholla) can be a low, densely branched shrub to a large, tree-like cactus with a strong central trunk. The stout, rope-like, gray-green stems are studded with 8-30 sharp spines, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm), on most areoles. Needle-like, the spines can be silver to yellow, brown, or pink. Bright pink to purple, bowl-shaped flowers, up to 3 in. across (8 cm), with a boss of yellow stamens, are produced in spring and summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies, they are followed by long-lasting yellow fruits that persist for many months. Various wild birds and mammals will feast on them. Found in a wide range of environments, from the hot deserts of west Texas to the Colorado mountains above 6,000 feet, Tree Cholla is very hardy (-20°F or -28°C) and can handle extremely high temperatures in summer. Tree Cholla is a very attractive plant and will remain as such year-round. It is a spectacular addition to the desert or cacti garden where its sculptural shape adds a wonderful contrast to the rest of the garden. It also provides cover for many small animals.

  • Grows up to 3-8 ft. tall (90-240 cm).
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates afternoon shade. Water in summer and keep dry in winter. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by stem division. Joints root easily and grow quickly when placed in loose, well-draining soil.
  • Handle this plant with extreme caution. Keep it away from walkways and areas frequented by children and animals. Spines must be meticulously removed with tweezers.
  • Native to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico.
  • Cylindropuntia imbricata is a declared noxious weed in New South Wales and also occurs in Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia.

Not sure which Opuntia to pick?
Compare All Opuntia

Buy Cylindropuntia imbricata (Tree Cholla)

Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 11
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Opuntia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Kansas, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

Buy Plants

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Opuntia

Guides with Opuntia


Jen Reilly, Nyker, RukiMedia, Shutterstock

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 11
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Opuntia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 8' (90cm – 240cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Kansas, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Opuntia

Guides with Opuntia

Plant Calculator

How many Cylindropuntia imbricata (Tree Cholla) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Cylindropuntia imbricata (Tree Cholla)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

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.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.