Coastal cholla
Cylindropuntia prolifera
Last reviewed: September 2026
Coastal cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) is a perennial succulent native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Coastal cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) 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
36"–96" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A shrub-forming cholla cactus with dense, spiny cylindrical stem segments and bright magenta-pink flowers in late spring. Its architectural, spine-covered form is striking but should be sited away from foot traffic.
Growing Coastal cholla
Grow Coastal cholla in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The showy flowers draw specialist cactus-visiting bees, and the dense spiny structure gives small birds a predator-safe nesting site.
Common questions
- How much sun does Coastal cholla need?
- Coastal cholla grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Coastal cholla bloom?
- Coastal cholla blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Coastal cholla native?
- Coastal cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Coastal cholla attract?
- Coastal cholla draws bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Coastal cholla? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.