Cholla
Cylindropuntia imbricata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Cylindropuntia imbricata is a shrubby, cylindrical-stemmed cactus suited to full sun and low water, blooming magenta flowers from March through August across dry grasslands and rocky slopes of the southwestern US.
Toxicity unknown
Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
60"–96" H × 60"–96" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CO, KS, NM and 2 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, nectar insects
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Cholla is a tree-like cactus that grows 5-8 feet tall and wide with segmented, cylindrical stems covered in dense spines. It produces showy magenta, yellow, or red flowers from spring through summer, followed by persistent yellow fruit. This hardy desert native requires minimal water and thrives in full sun.
Growing Cholla
Grow Cholla in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 60 to 96 inches tall and spread 60 to 96 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cholla takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The long blooming period attracts bees, butterflies, and other nectar-seeking insects throughout the growing season. Birds often nest in the protective spiny branches and eat the fruit.
Common questions
- How much water does Cylindropuntia imbricata need?
- Very little. Once established, it handles long dry spells and does best in well-drained soil that is not kept consistently moist.
- When does Cylindropuntia imbricata bloom?
- It typically flowers from March through August, with individual plants often peaking in late spring to early summer depending on local conditions.
- What pollinators visit Cylindropuntia imbricata flowers?
- Bees and butterflies are the most frequent visitors, along with other nectar-seeking insects drawn to the open, cup-shaped magenta blooms.
- What light conditions does Cylindropuntia imbricata prefer?
- Full sun is best. It grows in open, exposed sites and does not perform well in heavy shade.
- What does Cylindropuntia imbricata look like?
- It is a woody-based, shrubby cactus with thick, cylindrical, jointed stems covered in sharp spines, often forming a small tree-like shape over time.
- Is Cholla HOA-friendly?
- Cholla takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Cholla? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz