Cactus & Succulent•USDA: CYIM2•PLANTED: SUMMER 2026•
Cholla
Cylindropuntia imbricata
FAMILY: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)ALSO KNOWN AS:
Walking Stick ChollaTree Cholla
Celebrated for its regional ecological value, Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata) is a evergreen Texas succulent native across the Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, High Plains, and Southwestern Tablelands. Its persistent foliage provides year-round green structure and shelter for local garden wildlife.
During Spring and Summer, the plant produces pink, purple, red blooms. Flowering is followed by ornamental orange fruits stay attached to the plant for many months that add seasonal interest.
It provides essential nectar, shelter, or forage for native wildlife, including Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Nectar Insects, and Small Mammals.
Best suited to dry, limestone, rocky, and well drained, Cholla adapts seamlessly to local soil conditions. It requires minimal supplemental water and tolerates dry spells with ease.

Cholla
Cylindropuntia imbricata
NATIVE RANGE // EPA & NPSOT
Texas Native Ecoregions16 REGIONS
[ INITIALIZING GEOSPATIAL MAP DATA... ]
Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands
SOURCE: US EPA L3/L4 ECOREGIONS • NPSOT VERIFIED30.1727° N, 98.0873° W (DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX)
GROWTH & VISUAL PROFILEPerennial • Cactus & Succulent
↕HEIGHT
5 ft.
↔SPREAD
5 ft.
🌱GROWTH
Slow
🌲FOLIAGE
Evergreen
BLOOM COLOR
Pink
Purple
Red
BLOOM CALENDARSpring, Summer (6 MO)
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
BOTANICAL ALIASES & ALTERNATE NAMES2 ALIASES
Walking Stick ChollaTree Cholla
ECOLOGICAL ROLE & WILDLIFE
ATTRACTS & SUPPORTS
BeesBirdsButterfliesNectar InsectsSmall Mammals
Recognized for providing nectar and forage for native Texas pollinators.
WATER NEEDLow (Drought Tolerant)
VL
LOW
MOD
HIGH
SOLAR NEEDSun
SHADE
PART SHADE
PART SUN
FULL SUN
SUBSTRATE & SOILpH: Neutral to Alkaline
DryLimestoneRockyWell Drained
⚠️ BOTANICAL SAFETY NOTICE
Non-toxic to humans, birds, and domestic animals.
MAINTENANCE & PROPAGATION
Low maintenance once established.