Tree Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata): Architectural Desert Shrub

Overview

Tree Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata), also called Cane Cholla or Walking Stick Cholla, is a treelike, cylindrical-stemmed cactus native to the southwestern US and Mexico. It forms a woody trunk with branching, jointed cylinders covered in clusters of sharp, barbed spines. In late spring, showy magenta to purple flowers bloom at stem tips, followed by yellow, fleshy fruit that persist into winter. The dead, woody skeletons with their intricate lattice are used for walking sticks and crafts. Extremely cold-hardy and drought-tolerant.

Key Features

• Form: Tree-like, 6–15 ft; woody trunk; jointed cylindrical stems.
• Spines: Dense clusters of barbed, sharp spines; sheaths colorful.
• Flowers: Magenta-purple, 2–3 in; late spring.
• Fruit: Yellow, fleshy, spineless; persistent.
• Skeleton: Beautiful woody lattice; used for crafts.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun.

Water

None once established. Rainfall only.

Soil

Native, well-drained, mineral soil.

Hardiness

USDA zones 5–10. Very cold hardy.

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Cylindropuntia (sil-in-drop-UN-shee-uh)
Species:	imbricata (im-brih-KAY-tuh)
Synonyms:	Cylindropuntia imbricata var. imbricata, Cereus imbricatus, Opuntia imbricata, Opuntia cardenche, Cylindropuntia cardenche