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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 9–10Type Perennial, ShrubClimate Arid

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — Following the flowering season; perennial / shrub with green and yellow blooms

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) — the Pencil Cholla requires minimal water once established; yellow fruits which remain attached, image 74

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — The Pencil Cholla's unique form makes it a focal point in rock gardens

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — branching cactus native to the arid regions of the Southwest; which resemble the shape of pencils

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

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — and provides excellent texture contrast in desert-themed gardens; the Pencil Cholla's yellow-green, image 69

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — Plant in a location that receives full sun exposure to promote healthy growth and prolific blooming, image 76

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — This perennial shrub is distinctive for its slender; it's perfect for xeriscapes

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — is a sculpturally interesting cactus native to the Sonoran Desert; green and yellow flowers in the garden, image 71

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — The Pencil Cholla's yellow-green flowers; is a sculpturally interesting cactus native to the Sonoran Desert

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — It's perfect for xeriscapes; the Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia arbuscula) is a compact, image 67

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — It reaches up to 5 feet tall, with slender, green to purple stems, each about 0.5 inches in diameter; following the

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — green and yellow flowers in the garden

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

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — which resemble the shape of pencils; the Pencil Cholla requires minimal water once established, image 73

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — it's essential to allow for adequate spacing; adding further visual interest.<br><br>When incorporating, image 83

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

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

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — roughly 4 to 6 feet apart; with its low-maintenance requirements and distinctive appearance, image 84

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — branching cactus native to the arid regions of the Southwest; which resemble the shape of pencils, image 64

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

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — requiring minimal water and full sun; scientifically known as Cylindropuntia arbuscula, image 68

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

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — With its low-maintenance requirements and distinctive appearance

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — scientifically known as Cylindropuntia arbuscula; roughly 4 to 6 feet apart

Photographs by 13 contributors

Mike Ostrowski, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
WayneRay, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Trevor Harding, CC BY 4.0 · source
CK2AZ, CC BY 4.0 · source
bobistraveling, CC BY 2.0 · source
Thayne Tuason, CC BY 4.0 · source
SonoranDesertNPS from Tucson, Arizona, CC BY 2.0 · source
Bob Miller, CC BY 4.0 · source
Ian McFaul, CC BY 4.0 · source
Mary Emily Eaton (1873-1961) Daniel Schweich…, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

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