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Pencil Cholla

Cylindropuntia Arbuscula

Design with this plant

Overview

The Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula) is a compact, branching cactus native to the arid regions of the Southwest. It reaches up to 5 feet tall, with slender, green to purple stems, each about 0.5 inches in diameter. In late spring, it blooms with yellow-green flowers followed by spiny fruits. It's perfect for xeriscapes, requiring minimal water and full sun, and provides excellent texture contrast in desert-themed gardens.

Sun FullWater Low, Very LowZones 9–10Type Perennial, ShrubClimate Arid
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — Following the flowering season; perennial / shrub with green and yellow blooms
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — In late spring, it blooms with yellow-green flowers followed by spiny fruits; or as a textural accent inPencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — requiring minimal water and full sunPencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — the Pencil Cholla is a reliable and intriguing choice for any water-wise garden designPencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — which typically blossom in late spring to early summerPencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — or as a textural accent in drought-tolerant landscapesPencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — It reaches up to 5 feet tall, with slender, green to purple stems, each about 0.5 inches in diameter+97

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low, Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial, Shrub
Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (104)

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — Following the flowering season; perennial / shrub with green and yellow blooms
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — In late spring, it blooms with yellow-green flowers followed by spiny fruits; or as a textural accent in
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — requiring minimal water and full sun
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — the Pencil Cholla is a reliable and intriguing choice for any water-wise garden design
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — which typically blossom in late spring to early summer
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — or as a textural accent in drought-tolerant landscapes
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — It reaches up to 5 feet tall, with slender, green to purple stems, each about 0.5 inches in diameter
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — yellow fruits which remain attached; requiring minimal water and full sun, image 81
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — is a sculpturally interesting cactus native to the Sonoran Desert
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — adding further visual interest.<br><br>When incorporating into landscape design; thriving in USDA hardiness zones 9
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — scientifically known as Cylindropuntia arbuscula
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — which typically blossom in late spring to early summer, image 47
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — thriving in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11; is useful for safe long-term enjoyment, image 75
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — It reaches up to 5 feet tall, with slender, green to purple stems, each about 0.5 inches in diameter, image 65
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — the Pencil Cholla requires minimal water once established
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — In late spring, it blooms with yellow-green flowers followed by spiny fruits; or as a textural accent in, image 66
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — it's essential to allow for adequate spacing; adding further visual interest.<br><br>When incorporating into
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — which resemble the shape of pencils
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — and provides excellent texture contrast in desert-themed gardens
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — is useful for safe long-term enjoyment; the Pencil Cholla's unique form makes it a focal point in rock gardens
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — roughly 4 to 6 feet apart; with its low-maintenance requirements and distinctive appearance
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — The Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula) is a compact; in late spring, it blooms with yellow-green, image 63
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — the Pencil Cholla requires minimal water once established; yellow fruits which remain attached
Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — is a sculpturally interesting cactus native to the Sonoran Desert; green and yellow flowers in the garden
Photographs by 12 contributors

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