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Diamond or Pencil Cholla

Cylindropuntia ramosissima

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Diamond or Pencil Cholla

In stock

6-10'x1-5'

Sizes:

Pencil Cholla – Cylindropuntia ramosissima
Also known as: Diamond Cholla

Pencil Cholla is a distinctive cactus native to both the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, including the Colorado Desert region of Southern California. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, rocky soils, making it ideal for desert landscapes that require little to no maintenance. Supplemental water is unnecessary once established, and its strong drought tolerance helps it succeed even in exposed, dry sites.

This cactus varies in appearance—it may grow upright like a small tree or trail across the ground with branch tips curving upward. Spine density ranges widely from spineless forms to those densely covered in long, thin spines. All forms share a defining feature: flattened, diamond-shaped tubercles on the surface of the stems, giving rise to the name "Diamond Cholla."

Pencil Cholla is a long-lived, relatively tidy species that drops fewer joints or fruit than many other chollas, though it should still be placed away from high-traffic areas. In spring, it produces small reddish or pinkish flowers at stem tips, followed by spiny, fleshy fruit. This cactus adds sculptural interest to rock gardens, bird and butterfly habitats, and low-water-use plantings.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for native bees and generalist pollinators
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar; Seeds; Cavity; Nest
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus); LeConte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

6-10'x1-5'

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

Pink to Reddish-Brown (less often yellow)

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.