Opuntia acanthocarpa

Buckhorn Cholla

Accent

The open-branched, slender green stems of Buckhorn Cholla look somewhat like deer antlers, hence the common name. Individual joints are 6 to 12 inches long, one inch thick, and covered with yellow to brown one-inch-long spines. The plant will reach four feet high by five feet wide. It will turn purple in cold weather or drought.

Temperature

Hardy.

Water requirements

None once established.

Sun

Full sun.

Soil

Tolerant.

Maintenance

None.

Disadvantages

Spines.

Bloom

Flowers range in color from red to brownish yellow and bloom in April and May.

Fruit or Seeds

Fruit is roughly oval, about one inch long, spine covered and dry at maturity. They are pale yellow and drop off after a few months.

Uses

Used by the Tohono O'odham and others to make cholla buds, a snack.

Origin

Native of Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada and Mexico. Member of the Cactaceae family.

Themes

Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Edible.

Return to Index