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Marcus, Joseph A.
Cylindropuntia leptocaulis (DC.) F.M. Knuth
Christmas cactus, Christmas cholla, Desert Christmas cactus, Pencil cactus, Tasajillo
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Synonyms: Opuntia leptocaulis
USDA Symbol: CYLE8
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub , Cactus/Succulent
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Apr , May , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , OK , TXNative Distribution: AZ to OK, TX & adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Mesas, flats, valleys & washes in deserts
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight 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 landscapeConspicuous Flowers: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
Texas Master Naturalists - Lost Pines Chapter - Bastrop, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0552 Collected May 18, 1988 in Bexar County by Harry CliffeNPSOT 0484 Collected Jul 30, 1993 in Atascosa County by Louise Morrell
Bibliography
Bibref 354 - Native & Naturalized Woody Plants of Austin & the Hill Country (1981) Lynch, D.Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Cylindropuntia leptocaulis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Cylindropuntia leptocaulis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cylindropuntia leptocaulis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-09-06Research By: NPC, WFS
