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 9–10Climate Arid

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

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

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

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) — The Pencil Cholla's yellow-green flowers; is a sculpturally interesting cactus native to the Sonoran, image 77

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) — which typically blossom in late spring to early summer, image 78

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — are a striking contrast against its green to purplish stems; to accommodate its mature spread and, image 79

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — Following the flowering season; perennial / shrub with green and yellow blooms, image 80

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

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — yellow fruits which remain attached; requiring minimal water and full sun, image 81

Pencil Cholla (Cylindropuntia Arbuscula) — adding further visual interest.<br><br>When incorporating into landscape design; thriving in USDA, image 82

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

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