Cholla
Cylindropuntia imbricata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cylindropuntia imbricata is a drought-tolerant cholla cactus native to the southwestern United States, blooming yellow flowers from March through August and attracting bees and butterflies.
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
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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
- Where does Cylindropuntia imbricata naturally grow?
- Tree cholla is native to Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, typically growing in desert grasslands and scrublands.
- When does tree cholla bloom?
- Cylindropuntia imbricata produces flowers from March through August, with peak blooming typically occurring in late spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit tree cholla flowers?
- The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding insects that help with reproduction.
- How much water does Cylindropuntia imbricata need?
- Tree cholla is extremely drought tolerant and requires very little water once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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