Cylindropuntia fulgida
chain-fruit cholla
Overview
Cylindropuntia fulgida is a treelike cholla cactus reaching 6-13 ft (1.8-4 m) tall with a distinct trunk and a dense crown of drooping, cylindrical stem segments. The joints are 2-9 in (5-23 cm) long and densely covered in straw-colored, barbed spines sheathed in papery casings that catch low light. The segments detach at the slightest contact, clinging to skin, clothing, or fur, which gives rise to the jumping-cholla name and aids vegetative spread. Small pink to magenta flowers about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide open at the branch tips in summer. Unlike most cacti, the green fruits do not drop but remain attached and produce new flowers and fruits the following year, forming hanging chains up to 2 ft (60 cm) long that give the chain-fruit name. Plants are largely sterile and reproduce mainly from dropped joints that root where they land. It grows in desert flats, bajadas, and valleys on sandy or gravelly soils. The barbed spines make it hazardous near paths, and detached segments can injure pets and livestock.
Native Range
Cylindropuntia fulgida is native to the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, principally southern Arizona and the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. It occupies desert flats and lower slopes below about 3,000 ft (900 m).Suggested Uses
Used in desert and xeriscape landscapes as a sculptural specimen, positioned well back from paths, patios, and play areas because of the barbed, detaching joints. Serves as nesting cover for cactus wrens and other desert birds. Grown in large containers in arid-display collections.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 13'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Pink to magenta flowers about 1 in (2.5 cm) across open at the tips of the joints and on the persistent fruit chains from May through August. Flowers tend to open in late afternoon. Most plants set little viable seed, so the species relies on detached joints to spread.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to magentaFoliage Description
green stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on sharply drained sandy or gravelly desert soils and tolerates extreme heat and prolonged drought. Hardy to about 15-20 F (-9 to -7 C), it suits frost-free or nearly frost-free climates. Water is rarely needed once established; excess moisture and poorly drained soil cause root and stem rot. Soil pH from 6.5 to 8.0 is acceptable. No fertilizer is required in native desert ground. The detachable, barbed segments make handling and cleanup difficult and call for long tools rather than bare hands.Pruning
Pruning is rarely needed. Unwanted joints or chains can be removed with long-handled tongs to keep them clear of walkways. Detached segments root readily and sprout new plants if left on the ground.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons