Buckhorn Cholla
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa
Latin Name: Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa (formerly Opuntia acanthocarpa)
Common Name: Buckhorn Cholla (Pronounced CHOY-Ya)
Native Distribution: Sonoran Desert
Size: Approximately 4’h x 5’w at maturity
Flower: Yellow to brownish yellow flowers appear in April - May
Stems: Gray/green, 6 - 12” long, covered with yellow to brown 1” spines; stems are weakly attached; resemble deer antlers
Site Preferences: Full sun in sandy soil with good drainage; no supplemental watering once established
Landscape Uses: Best in natural, open settings; can be used as an accent; muted color associates well with dark green foliage shrubs, golden barrels, elephant food & blue glow agave
Plant Characteristics
Slow growth rate
Drought tolerant
Cold hardy to 25F
Propagate from segment removal
Plants should be sited with care
do not plant near walkways
keep away from children & pets