Cholla

Cacti Barrel Cactus Beavertail Fishhook Hedgehog Cactus Ocotillo Organ Pipe Cactus Pincushion Cactus Prickly Pear Cactus Saguaro Cactus Totem Pole Cactus Flowers

Cholla is the generic name given to about thirty different species of cacti in the genus Cylindropuntia.

They are native plants in the desert Southwest from Texas west to California, and are easily recognized by their relatively thin, round stems or branches.

Flower color differs from species to species.

The top picture shows the Buckhorn cholla flower (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) with its characteristic red stamen.

Silver Cholla, like the one in the picture to the left, have lighter color leaves and greenish-yellow stamen.

Cholla make excellent landscaping plants. Resident birds such as Cactus Wrens often nest in the branches of taller species.

© 2004-2008 Patricia A. Michaels.