Cylindropuntia imbricata

Cylindropuntia imbricataCommon Names: Cane Cholla, Walking Stick Cholla, Tree Cholla Appearance A branching, tree like cactus with thick, cylindrical, segmented stems covered in spiny tubercles. Stems are deep green to bluish green and lined with long, sharp, golden to gray spines. Can grow up to 8 feet (2. 4 meters) tall, forming a dense, shrubby structure. Care & Growing Conditions Light: Prefers full sun; strong sunlight promotes healthy growth and spine development.

Common Names: Cane Cholla, Walking Stick Cholla, Tree Cholla

Appearance

A branching, tree-like cactus with thick, cylindrical, segmented stems covered in spiny tubercles.

Stems are deep green to bluish-green and lined with long, sharp, golden to gray spines.

Can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, forming a dense, shrubby structure.

Care & Growing Conditions

Light: Prefers full sun; strong sunlight promotes healthy growth and spine development.

Soil: Well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil; tolerates poor soils.

Watering: Highly drought-tolerant; water sparingly and allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Temperature: Thrives in USDA zones 5-10; can withstand cold temperatures down to -10°F (-23°C).

Humidity: Prefers dry conditions and does not tolerate excessive moisture.

Flower

Produces vibrant magenta to purple, cup-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer.

Flowers give way to yellow, spiny fruits that persist into winter.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets, but spines and glochids can cause severe skin irritation if touched.