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
PW Interpretive Trails Project – Join Us!
Imagine a world where every garden, school yard, and public space becomes an immersive and educational experience.
A place where nature and knowledge intertwine to create stunning interpretive trails.
With a simple scan using your smartphone, you’ll unlock a whole new level of information and convenience.
No more searching through countless books or websites to find details about your plants.
