Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Cylindropuntia californica is a species of cactus known by the common names California cholla, snake cholla, and cane cholla. Cylindropuntia californica is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and other local habitat. Cylindropuntia californica is a sprawling cactus which can approach 3 meters in maximum height or width. The green or purple-tinged segments are narrow and cylindrical, surfaced in fleshy tubercles bearing many gray or reddish spines up to 3 centimeters long. The flowers are yellow, sometimes tinged with green or purple. The fruit is dry, leathery, greenish or yellow, and up to 2 or 3 centimeters in length. Varieties: Cylindropuntia californica var. californica - Santa Ana Mountains, Southern Coast, northern Baja California. Cylindropuntia californica var. parkeri - 700-1,900 metres (2,300-6,200 ft); Transverse Ranges, Peninsular Ranges, Colorado Desert-chaparral ecotone; northern Baja California.

Plant type

Shrub, Succulent

Size

10 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow, Purple, Red

Special uses

Containers, Hedge

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Cahela Moth

Cahela ponderosella