# tree cholla (*Cylindropuntia imbricata*) The tree cholla is a unique cactus that looks like a tree with many branches. It has spiky pads that can be green or gray, and it blooms beautiful flowers in the spring. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Snaps:** 20 - **Habitat:** Desert - **Also known as:** Cactus Tree, Cholla Cactus ![tree cholla](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cylindropuntia_imbricata_30.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jared Lincenberg, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cylindropuntia_imbricata_30.jpg) ## Appearance The tree cholla is a shrubby cactus with striking jointed, cylindrical stems covered in dense, silvery-white spines. Its vibrant magenta or purple flowers stand out against the green-grey stems, giving it a distinctive, thorny, tree-like appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Cactaceae - **Genus:** Cylindropuntia ## Interesting facts - Animals like javelinas love to munch on its juicy pads and fruit. - Its fruit looks like tiny green or yellow pineapples! - Its spines have tiny barbs that make them really hard to pull out! - The woody skeleton of old chollas is used to make beautiful crafts. ## Special abilities - **Spiny Shield:** Tree cholla has very sharp, barbed spines that protect it from hungry animals and help it grab onto anything for support. - **Self-Cloner:** Tree cholla can drop stem segments that easily root and grow into new plants, helping it spread quickly. - **Water Saver:** Tree cholla has a waxy coating on its stems and thick, succulent tissues that store water to survive dry conditions. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 60-300 cm - **Spread:** 60-200 cm - **Flower Size:** 3-5 cm - **Bloom Season:** Late spring to early summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** Mild - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Javelina (*Pecari tajacu*) — Javelinas enjoy eating its juicy fruit and pads. - **Shelter:** [Curve-billed Thrasher](https://www.snappit.app/explore/curve-billed-thrasher) (*Toxostoma curvirostre*) — This bird builds its nests safely within its spiny branches. - **Depends on:** Honeybee (*Apis mellifera*) — Honeybees depend on its bright flowers for delicious nectar. - **Eaten by:** [White-throated Woodrat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-throated-woodrat) (*Neotoma albigula*) — Woodrats gather its fruit and stems for their food. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Stay a safe distance from the spines to avoid getting hurt. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify tree 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 tree cholla? 60-300 cm ### How wide does tree cholla spread? 60-200 cm ### How big are the flowers on tree cholla? 3-5 cm ### When does tree cholla bloom? Late spring to early summer ### Is tree cholla edible? Yes ### Is tree cholla toxic? Mild ### What is tree cholla's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Barrio De Analco Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/barrio-de-analco-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Dinosaur Ridge](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dinosaur-ridge) — Colorado, US · Natural Landmark - [Mariscal Mine](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mariscal-mine) — Texas, US · Historic Site - [Metropolitan Park Bathhouse and Pool Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/metropolitan-park-bathhouse-and-pool-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Bandelier CCC Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bandelier-ccc-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Camino del Monte Sol Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/camino-del-monte-sol-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District [View all places to see tree cholla](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/tree-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: [Tree Cholla: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-cholla)