Tree cholla (cane cholla) Cylindropuntia imbricata
Tree cholla (cane cholla) (Cylindropuntia imbricata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Cactaceae family, native to South-western United States and northern Mexico. It grows 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Tree cholla (cane cholla) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Tree cholla (cane cholla) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Mature height | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | about 209–313 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-western United States and northern Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
| Invasive in | Australia (a Weed of National Significance), South Africa: check local rules before planting |
Is Tree cholla (cane cholla) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: barbed spines
Barbed spines in papery sheaths hook deeply into skin and fur; a dangerous plant near paths, children and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tree cholla (cane cholla)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Tree cholla (cane cholla)
- How far apart should I plant Tree cholla (cane cholla)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Tree cholla (cane cholla) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tree cholla (cane cholla) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tree cholla (cane cholla)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Tree cholla (cane cholla) flower?
- About 209–313 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Tree cholla (cane cholla) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Barbed spines in papery sheaths hook deeply into skin and fur; a dangerous plant near paths, children and dogs.
- What grows well with Tree cholla (cane cholla)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tree cholla (cane cholla). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- A small branching tree of jointed, knobbly cylindrical stems, magenta flowers in early summer and yellow fruit that hang on all winter. The dead stems leave a woody lattice skeleton used for walking sticks and crafts.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Prickly pear (nopal) Opuntia ficus-indica
- Golden barrel cactus Echinocactus grusonii
- Saguaro Carnegiea gigantea
- Fishhook barrel cactus Ferocactus wislizeni
- Teddy-bear cholla Cylindropuntia bigelovii
- Engelmann's prickly pear Opuntia engelmannii
- Organ pipe cactus Stenocereus thurberi
- Mexican giant cardón Pachycereus pringlei