Tree cholla

Tree cholla (*Cylindropuntia imbricata*) is an upright, branching cactus with conspicuous spines and a woody, tree-like outline. The City of Fort Collins plant guide lists a garden size of 5–8 feet tall by 4–6 feet wide; Texas A&M documents larger native-range plants reaching 10–13 feet. See [Fort Collins’ tree cholla profile](https://apps.fcgov.com/plant-list/?view=361-tree-cholla) and [Texas A&M AgriLife’s plant profile](https://rangeplants.tamu.edu/plant/cholla/) for local landscape and species details. ## Landscape Use and Size Use this cactus as a specimen in a sunny, dry landscape with ample clearance from paths and play areas. Its barbed spines can catch clothing or skin, so place it where people and pets will not brush against it. The city guide records a smaller landscape size, while Texas A&M describes the larger stature possible in favorable native-range conditions. ## Flowers and Wildlife Pink to purplish flowers appear in spring and early summer, followed by yellow fruit that may persist. Texas A&M notes that the flowers provide nectar for insects and that the plant can offer nesting sites for birds. ## Siting Provide full sun and a position where water drains freely. The species occurs in grassland, scrubland, desert, and foothill settings, including clay and clay-loam soils; it is not restricted to sandy desert ground. ## Maintenance Keep access clear around the spiny stems. Handle cuttings and pruning debris with suitable protection, and remove unwanted pieces carefully because detached segments can be difficult to handle safely. ## Colorado CSU/CSFS 2025 source scope The [July 2025 guide](https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CSFS_CSU-Ext_Fact-Sheets_IRLP_2025_081825-2_web_accessible.pdf) gives score 8 to its Cylindropuntia spp. (Cholla) row, within the native low-water shrubs and cacti table. This species is a narrower representative of that group, not proof of complete genus coverage or individual assessment of every species or cultivar. Its current source tag is retained with that limitation. The source lists water needs VL-M, site S, approximate height 3-5’, and elevation 5-6 thousand feet; its key defines M as medium, H as high, L as low and VL as very low, S/FS as sun, PS as partial sun and Sh as shade. Follow the source's placement, irrigation and maintenance conditions, remove dead material and maintain separated vegetation. In its scoring system, 10 is least ignitable; no plant is fireproof.