# 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! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Coastal areas ![Coast Cholla](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cylindropuntia_prolifera_1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cylindropuntia_prolifera_1.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Cactaceae - **Genus:** Cylindropuntia ## 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 - **Spine Shield:** Coast Cholla has barbed spines that detach easily, helping it defend against herbivores and even spread its segments for new growth. - **Water Keeper:** Coast Cholla can store vast amounts of water in its thick, succulent stems, allowing it to thrive in arid coastal environments. - **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 - **Shelter:** 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. - **Shelter:** [California Quail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-quail) (*Callipepla californica*) — Uses dense cholla clumps for cover from predators. - **Eaten by:** [Mourning Dove](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mourning-dove) (*Zenaida macroura*) — Eats the seeds found within the cholla fruit. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Shrub](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shrub): A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thorny-stem): Pertaining to plants that have stems covered with sharp, pointed projections for defense. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Be careful around cacti! Their spines can poke you, so keep a safe distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Coast Cholla? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Crystal Cove Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/crystal-cove-historic-district) — California, US · Historic District - [Sherman Library and Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sherman-library-and-gardens) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Carlsbad State Beach](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/carlsbad-state-beach) — California, US · State Park - [Marineland of the Pacific](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marineland-of-the-pacific) — California, US · Aquarium [View all places to see Coast Cholla](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/coast-cholla) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Coast Cholla: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coast-cholla)