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.
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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 |
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 |