Pencil Cholla

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.