Native Plant Database

Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. acanthocarpa (Engelm. & Bigelow) F.M. Knuth

Buckhorn cholla, Staghorn cholla

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

USDA Symbol: CYACA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Buckhorn cholla or staghorn cholla is a spreading to erect, tree-like cactus, 3-9 ft. tall. The main trunk is short; branching open. Branches are cylindrical; the joints light green. Stout spines are straw colored. Flowers are red to yellow and followed by a shriveled, spiny fruit.

The Buckhorn Cholla is often found growing in the same range as the Silver Cholla, and sometimes it is not easy to tell them apart. The Silver Cholla usually has one main trunk and a tubercle length one to two times the width. The Buckhorn Cholla usually has serveral small trunks and tubercle length three to several times the width. The Buckhorn Cholla is often quite shrubby, but some plants are treelike and reach up to 13 feet tall. The flower buds are sometimes steamed and used as food by the Pima Indians. Up to five varieties of Buckhorn Cholla have been described. The delicate flowers bloom from May to June.