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Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) is a branching cactus species that grows naturally in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant develops upward direction with cylindrical segments that bear densely packed sharp barbed spines across its surface. Its stems possess a green to red-brown color range, which delivers an interesting visual aspect to desert environments. In springtime, Buckhorn Cholla displays colorful yellow-orange or red flowers that serve as pollinator attractants. Once flowering ends, desert animals can feed on tiny spiny fruits that develop on the plant. Its natural habitat includes dry landscapes where it survives on both rocky and sandy soil. Its capacity to survive extended dry periods transforms the species into the leading plant form in desert environments. Its sharp spines do not prevent this desert plant from being essential to local ecosystems, which offer strong shelter and food resources to wildlife.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Scientific Name | Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa |
| Common Name | Buckhorn Cholla |
| Size | Typically grows 3 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. |
| Appearance | Shrubby, branching cactus with cylindrical, segmented stems covered in spines. |
| Spines | Sharp, barbed spines that appear golden, reddish, or gray. |
| Flowers | Bright yellow to orange-red flowers that bloom at the tips of the branches. |
| Fruits | Green to yellow, spiny, fleshy fruits that may persist on the plant. |
| Root System | Shallow, fibrous roots adapted to absorb water quickly after rainfall. |
| Lifespan | Can live for several decades in arid environments. |
| Habitat | Found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, thriving in desert and scrubland habitats. |
| Water Storage | Stores water in its segmented stems to endure long periods of drought. |
| Growth Rate | Moderate growth rate, expanding in clumps over time. |
| Flowering Time | Blooms in spring, providing nectar for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. |
| Reproduction | Propagates through seeds and detached stem segments that take root in the soil. |
Table of Contents
Is the Buckhorn Cholla the same as the Jumping Cholla?
The Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) represents a different species than the Jumping Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida). The Jumping Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida) gains its “jumping” name from small detachable spines that automatically attach themselves to moving objects. Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) keeps its long barbed spines in place. Jumping Cholla produces dense branching clusters, whereas Buckhorn Cholla exhibits its growth through a branching pattern. Jumping Cholla produces chain-like fruit segments, which differ from the flowers of both species. The two cacti exist as separate Cylindropuntia species despite their genus relationship because they develop differently and display different spine mechanics and reproductive systems.
Are the Buckhorn Cholla and Staghorn Cholla part of the same species?
The Cylindropuntia genus contains two distinct species that are known as Buckhorn Cholla and Staghorn Cholla. The stem color of Staghorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia versicolor) varies from green to purple based on environmental circumstances. Stem coloration within this species displays changes between yellow and red and purple tones. Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) displays thick woody branches with sturdy spines while occupying desert regions with dry, well-drained terrains. The cholla family contains these similar species, which have cylindrical stems and spiny structures yet display different colors and branching habits, and flower types as individual cholla species.
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