Marcus, Joseph A.
Cylindropuntia leptocaulis (DC.) F.M. Knuth
Christmas cactus, Christmas cholla, Desert Christmas cactus, Pencil cactus, Tasajillo
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
This is a 2-5 ft., upright, shrub-like plant with many branches made up of slender, cylindrical joints. These narrow, spiny branches often twist together with the branches of adjacent plants to form inpenetrable thickets. New growth is dark green. With age the branches and trunk develop a scaly
bark and turn pale tan. Spines in groups and of 2 types: one, 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long; and the other, about 3/16 inch long. Leaves very small, falling early in the growing season. Flowers greenish, yellow, or bronze. Small, attractive, yellowish-green flowers are followed by fruits which cling to the
stem into winter.
Fruit fleshy, red or purple, rounded, flattened at the end and tapering toward the base, ripening in late summer, edible
This plant has the most slender stems of all southwestern Chollas. During winter its bright red fruits add attractive color to the brown desert.
Image Gallery:
17 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: AZ to OK, TX & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Mesas, flats, valleys & washes in deserts
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Gravelly, sandy and heavier bottomland soils
Conditions Comments: This cactus can be a pest if not controlled. It has narrow, spiny branches that twist together with the branches of adjacent plants to form impenetrable thickets. The sharp spines are difficult to remove from the skin. Flowers are small, yellowish-green followed by
fruit that gives it one of its common names...Christmas Cactus.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Blooms ornamental, Attractive, Desert landscape
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Last Update: 2007-09-06
