Pencil Cholla

Cylindropuntia Arbuscula

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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 9–10Climate Arid

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — The Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula) is a compact

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — In late spring, it blooms with yellow-green flowers followed by spiny fruits

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — The Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula) is a compact

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) — branching cactus native to the arid regions of the Southwest

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — This perennial shrub is distinctive for its slender

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — and provides excellent texture contrast in desert-themed gardens

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Climate: Arid

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Photos (84)

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — It's perfect for xeriscapes

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — In late spring, it blooms with yellow-green flowers followed by spiny fruits

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — The Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula) is a compact

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) — branching cactus native to the arid regions of the Southwest

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — This perennial shrub is distinctive for its slender

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — and provides excellent texture contrast in desert-themed gardens

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — requiring minimal water and full sun

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — is a sculpturally interesting cactus native to the Sonoran Desert

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — scientifically known as Cylindropuntia arbuscula

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — Plant in a location that receives full sun exposure to promote healthy growth and prolific blooming

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — the Pencil Cholla requires minimal water once established

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — which resemble the shape of pencils

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — thriving in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — The Pencil Cholla's yellow-green flowers

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — which typically blossom in late spring to early summer

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — are a striking contrast against its green to purplish stems

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — it's essential to allow for adequate spacing

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — yellow fruits which remain attached

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — Following the flowering season

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — adding further visual interest.<br><br>When incorporating into landscape design

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — to accommodate its mature spread and prevent accidental contact with its sharp spines

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — roughly 4 to 6 feet apart

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — or as a textural accent in drought-tolerant landscapes

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