Whipple Cholla
ExplorePlants
Whipple Cholla
cylindropuntia whipplei
Whipple Cholla, scientifically known as Cylindropuntia whipplei, is a highly branched, shrubby cactus native to the high-desert regions of the southwestern United States. Often forming dense, low-growing thickets, this resilient species is well-adapted to the cold winters and dry, scorching summers of the Colorado Plateau. It stands out in its arid landscape by maintaining a vibrant pale-green coloration and producing small, chartreuse flowers that mature into fleshy, yellow, spineless fruits. To easily track and identify Whipple Cholla on your next adventure, download the Snappit app.
Habitat: Typically found on sandy plains, rocky slopes, and clay soils within desert grasslands and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Appearance
This cactus typically grows as a low, sprawling shrub or upright clump between 30 to 150 centimeters tall. It features cylindrical, deeply tuberculate green stems densely covered in pale white or yellow spines. The spines are encased in translucent, papery sheaths that reflect light, giving the plant a shimmering silvery appearance. In late spring, it produces yellow-green flowers about 2 to 3 centimeters wide, followed by persistent, knobby, bright yellow fruits.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusCylindropuntia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Because the stem joints detach so easily and latch onto passing animals, this plant is nicknamed 'hitchhiker' as a primary way to colonize new territory.
Native American tribes, including the Hopi, historically utilized the yellow fruits as food, eating them raw, stewed, or dried for winter storage.
The papery sheaths surrounding the spines act like miniature sun umbrellas, reducing the ambient temperature of the plant's skin.
Special abilities
Ability
Sun-Blocking Sheaths
Its spines are covered in papery, translucent sheaths that reflect intense solar radiation, cooling the stem and reducing water loss.
Ability
Clonal Propagation
The stem joints are highly detaching; when they fall or are carried away by animals, they easily root in the soil to form new clonal plants.
Ability
Crassulacean Acid Metabolism
It utilizes CAM photosynthesis, opening its stomata at night to absorb carbon dioxide and minimizing water evaporation during the hot day.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-150 cm
- Weight
- 1-25 kg
- Lifespan
- 20-100 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil minerals
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
Cactus Wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Provides critical nesting sites, physical protection from predators, and food source for the birds.
eaten by
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis nelsoni
Feeds on the spineless yellow fruits and occasionally the fleshy stems during drought conditions.
mutualism
Cactus Bee
Diadasia rinconis
Visits the greenish-yellow flowers to gather pollen and nectar, acting as a primary pollinator.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Whipple Cholla?
The easiest way to identify Whipple Cholla is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Whipple Cholla?
30-150 cm
How much does Whipple Cholla weigh?
1-25 kg
How long does Whipple Cholla live?
20-100 years
What does Whipple Cholla eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it produces its own energy using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Where is Whipple Cholla usually found?
Typically found on sandy plains, rocky slopes, and clay soils within desert grasslands and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
How does Whipple Cholla hunt?
Foraging
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Where to spot
Park15 sightings12 species
New Mexico, US
Crow Canyon Archaeological District
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New Mexico, US
Gallup Commercial Historic District
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Colorado, US
Main Avenue Historic District
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