Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 6381277

Tree Cholla

Cylindropuntia imbricata

Also known as Cane Cholla, Chain-Link Cactus, Walking Stick Cholla, Vela de Coyote

Tree cholla forms impressive shrubby or tree-like thickets across Southwestern deserts, characterized by cylindrical jointed stems with prominent diamond-shaped ridges. Vibrant magenta blossoms crown the stem tips in late spring, giving way to persistent, bright yellow fruit that persists well into winter. The intricate, hollow lace-patterned wood left behind when stems die is a signature feature of North American arid landscapes.

SpinyDesertFlowering
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, brush clearing, overgrazing
HabitatsArid grasslands, desert scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyCactaceae
  3. GenusCylindropuntia
  4. SpeciesCylindropuntia imbricata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Barbed spines cause painful punctures; keep a safe distance and never eat wild plants based on app identification.
Why it is dangerous
Microscopic backward-facing barbs on the spines latch tightly into skin, causing painful mechanical puncture and tissue damage.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by tree-like branching form, prominent diamond-like ridges along cylindrical joints, and long yellowish fruit.
What to do
Maintain a wide berth on trails, and use heavy leather gloves or pliers if removing detached spine segments.
Responsible observation
  • Trail Clearance: Give spiny joint segments a wide berth, as loose stem joints easily detach and cling to shoes or clothing.
  • Spring Flowers: Look for stunning magenta-pink blooms that crown the upper stem tips from late spring into early summer.
  • Skeletal Remains: Observe dead fallen stems to see the intricate, hollow wooden lattice historically used to make walking canes.
Related species
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