Coast Cholla
ExplorePlants
Coast Cholla
Cylindropuntia prolifera
The Coast Cholla is a fun cactus that grows in coastal areas. It has long, green stems covered in spines, and it can produce beautiful flowers that attract butterflies and bees!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Coast Cholla is a densely branched cactus with cylindrical, segmented stems covered in sharp, barbed spines. Its striking flowers can range from magenta to pinkish-purple, often with a subtle yellow tint in the center, making it distinct from many green desert plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusCylindropuntia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby cholla plants can grow from a tiny piece that breaks off and falls to the ground!
Its spines are so sharp, they can feel like they're jumping onto your clothes!
Some animals build nests right inside its spiny branches, safe from predators!
The fruit, called 'tuna,' is fuzzy but can be eaten if you remove all the tiny, irritating hairs!
Special abilities
Ability
Spine Shield
Coast Cholla has barbed spines that detach easily, helping it defend against herbivores and even spread its segments for new growth.
Ability
Water Keeper
Coast Cholla can store vast amounts of water in its thick, succulent stems, allowing it to thrive in arid coastal environments.
Ability
Branch Breaker
Coast Cholla has brittle stem segments that readily detach, allowing new plants to grow from fallen pieces, a clever way to multiply!
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-300 cm
- Spread
- 50-250 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
shelters
Desert Woodrat
Neotoma lepida
Builds nests among its spiny branches for protection.
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its magenta flowers for nectar and pollen.
shelters
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California Quail
Callipepla californica
Uses dense cholla clumps for cover from predators.
eaten by
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Eats the seeds found within the cholla fruit.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Thorny Stem
Pertaining to plants that have stems covered with sharp, pointed projections for defense.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Be careful around cacti! Their spines can poke you, so keep a safe distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Coast Cholla?
50-300 cm
How wide does Coast Cholla spread?
50-250 cm
How big are the flowers on Coast Cholla?
2-3 cm
When does Coast Cholla bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is Coast Cholla edible?
Yes
Is Coast Cholla toxic?
Mild
What is Coast Cholla's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Coast Cholla pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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