Cylindropuntia bigelovii
The Teddy Bear Cholla is one of the most ornamental of the chollas; although they appear cuddly, the spines are very sharp, barbed and detach very easily, so don’t get too close!
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native
Origin: Upper Sonoran Desert and the southwest region of the Mohave Desert.
Family: Cactaceae
Size: Up to 5′ tall
Sun: Full
Watering: None after established
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Prefers good drainage
Temperature: Tolerant
Pruning:
Disease and Pests: Root rot in wet soils
Uses: Desert packrats gather the spiny segments and arrange them around their burrows. Provides a nesting habitat for the Cactus Wren.
Notes: Yellow green flowers. The fruits contain few viable seeds since the plant relies on dispersal by dropped or carried stems. If a segment sticks to a person or pet, a good method to remove the cactus is with a hair comb.
Resources
If you’re interested in purchasing engraved aluminum garden tags, you can now purchase them on Etsy!
Let us know if you’re interested in a tag that not yet listed and we’ll see about adding it. New entries have to provide a support role for pollinators or provide sufficient interest to warrant a dedicated web page.
Now making tags for Cactus & Succulent collectors!
