Cylindropuntia prolifera
coast cholla
Coastal southern California and Baja California
Overview
Cylindropuntia prolifera is a shrubby cholla cactus reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall, forming a branched, tree-like crown of cylindrical, jointed stem segments. Each green segment is 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long and 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) thick, covered in clusters of barbed spines sheathed in papery coverings. From April to June it bears rose-purple to magenta flowers about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across at the stem tips. The fruits are fleshy and green and often remain on the plant for a year or more, frequently producing new fruits on top of old ones and sometimes taking root where they fall. C. prolifera reproduces largely from detached joints and fruits rather than seed, so dense thickets build up over time. It grows on coastal bluffs, mesas, and scrub of southern California and Baja California, tolerating salt air, heat, and prolonged drought. It does not withstand hard frost or wet, poorly drained soils. The barbed spines detach easily and lodge in skin and clothing on contact.
Native Range
Native to coastal southern California and Baja California, Mexico, growing in coastal sage scrub, bluffs, and mesas near the Pacific.Suggested Uses
Used in desert and coastal xeriscapes, cactus gardens, and barrier plantings where its spines deter traffic. It suits hot, dry banks and rocky slopes with sharp drainage. The detaching spiny joints make it less suited to paths, play areas, and pet runs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Rose-purple to magenta flowers open from April to June at the ends of the stem segments. Each flower lasts a few days, and the plant blooms over several weeks in spring. Flowering is heaviest after winters with adequate rainfall.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Cylindropuntia prolifera grows in full sun and sharply drained, sandy or rocky soil with a pH from about 6.5 to 8.0. Once established it survives entirely on rainfall and needs no irrigation in coastal and desert gardens. Wet, heavy soils and standing water cause root and stem rot. It is propagated by rooting detached stem segments, which root readily where they touch soil. Hard frost damages the stems, limiting it to mild-winter regions. No fertilizer is needed in lean mineral soils.Pruning
Pruning is rarely needed and is carried out with tongs because of the barbed spines. Detached segments are removed from the ground to prevent unwanted rooting. Damaged or frost-killed segments are cut away at the joints.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons