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Sturla, Gene
Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida
Cylindropuntia fulgida (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth var. fulgida
Jumping Cholla, Chain-fruit Cholla
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Synonym(s): Opuntia fulgida, Opuntia fulgida var. fulgida
USDA Symbol: CYFUF
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A very spiny cactus, commonly a shrub, occasionally a small tree with short trunk. The stout, jointed, cylindrical, irregular spreading to slightly drooping branches are leafless except when young.
The common name Cholla (pronounced "CHAW-ya" or "CHO-ya"), meaning "skull" or "head" in Spanish, is applied to various shrubby cacti with jointed branches, of which this species is the largest. Its segments or joints, easily detached by touching, adhere to clothing and skin. They are fancifully said to jump out and attack passersby, especially when one's back is turned, as the common name implies. The dead, weathered, woody skeletons of the stems, forming hollow cylinders with many holes, are used in making novelties. Fruit and seeds of cacti are consumed in great quantities by wildlife of many kinds, especially rodents. Detached branches will root and start new plants, spreading on some rangelands.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , PinkBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Pale pink to magenta.
Distribution
USA: AZ , NMNative Distribution: Central and S. Arizona and NW. Mexico; to 4000' (1219 m).
Native Habitat: Dry, sandy soils of valleys, plains, and slopes, forming dense "cactus forests" in deserts.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Heat Tolerant: yes
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
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1995 VOL. 12, NO.3 - Explore the Big Bend With the Wildflower Center, Education Director\'s Report, T...Additional resources
USDA: Find Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida
Metadata
Record Modified: 2025-02-12Research By: TWC Staff