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Buckhorn Cholla
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa
Out of stock
1 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Sonoran Desert; Mojave Desert; Local Native
Water needs:
Very Low
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Full Sun
3'x7'
Moderate
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
Yellow; Red; Orange
Spring-Summer
None required
Wildlife
Monarchs:
No
Nectar pollinators:
No
Nighttime pollinators:
Yes
Rabbit resistant:
Yes
The buckhorn cholla is found across the Colorado, Mojave, and Sonoran deserts. Plants are generally large, tree like, growing up to 10 feet tall in some areas. An open and branching woody cactus. It has green stems, or "joints", with nodules. Each nodule has a cluster of stiff spines not too dense, which allows the yellow-green (in moist weather) or purple-green (during drier conditions) stems to be clearly visible. The plant branches profusely but irregularly, giving a rather untidy appearance, with criss-crossing slender stems of different lengths. In older plants the lower stems become woody. The flowers range from yellow to red with many shades in between. They bloom in April and May. The fruits are oval shaped, dry, and covered with long barbed spines.
Chollas are a favorite nesting spot for many desert birds
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.