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Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. acanthocarpa
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa (Engelm. & J.M. Bigelow) F.M. Knuth var. acanthocarpa
Buckhorn Cholla, Staghorn Cholla
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Synonym(s): Opuntia acanthocarpa, Opuntia acanthocarpa var. acanthocarpa
USDA Symbol: CYACA2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Buckhorn Cholla or Staghorn Cholla is a spreading to erect, tree-like cactus, 3-9 ft. tall. The main trunk is short; branching open. Branches are cylindrical; the joints light green. Stout spines are straw colored. Flowers are red to yellow and followed by a shriveled, spiny fruit.
The Buckhorn Cholla is often found growing in the same range as the Silver Cholla, and sometimes it is not easy to tell them apart. The Silver Cholla usually has one main trunk and a tubercle length one to two times the width. The Buckhorn Cholla usually has serveral small trunks and tubercle length three to several times the width. The Buckhorn Cholla is often quite shrubby, but some plants are treelike and reach up to 13 feet tall. The flower buds are sometimes steamed and used as food by the Pima Indians. Up to five varieties of Buckhorn Cholla have been described. The delicate flowers bloom from May to June.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 9 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , YellowBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NV , UTNative Distribution: S. CA, s. NV, AZ & extreme s.w. UT
Native Habitat: Open areas to 3500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. acanthocarpa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. acanthocarpa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. acanthocarpa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-14Research By: TWC Staff