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Silver or Golden Cholla

Cylindropuntia echinocarpa

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Silver or Golden Cholla

In stock

6-10'x3-6'

Sizes:

Silver Cholla — Cylindropuntia echinocarpa
Also known as: Golden Cholla, Wiggins’ Cholla

Silver Cholla is a widespread native cactus of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, including the Colorado Desert. In the Coachella Valley, it is one of the most common cholla species found in creosote bush scrub and desert wash habitats. This shrubby cactus can range from a low, densely branched form to a more upright, tree-like structure with a short trunk, typically growing 2 to 7 feet tall.

The cylindrical stem segments are covered in overlapping spines that vary in color from bright white (the silver cholla form) to yellowish-tan (golden cholla form), often glistening in sunlight or backlit during golden hour. Each areole has one longer central spine, up to 1.2 inches long, surrounded by shorter radial spines. These spines are held in papery sheaths, giving the plant its iconic silver or golden appearance.

In late spring, yellow flowers with reddish tips bloom at the ends of the stem segments. These are followed by bumpy, greenish fruits that persist into winter. Though less dangerous than Cylindropuntia bigelovii (Teddy Bear Cholla), Silver Cholla still demands careful placement in gardens due to its sharp spines and branching habit.

This sculptural cactus adds striking visual interest and wildlife value to desert landscapes. It is extremely drought tolerant and thrives in full sun with minimal supplemental irrigation, though a small amount of summer water can enhance flowering and spine color.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Generalist native bees; confirmed use by honey bees (Apis mellifera) and specialist desert bees
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar; Seeds; Cavity; Nest
Bird Species: Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus); LeConte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei); Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

6-10'x3-6'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

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.