Cylindropuntia Species, Pencil Cholla
Cylindropuntiatesajo

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Cylindropuntia (sil-in-drop-UN-shee-uh)
Species: tesajo (TES-uh-ho)

Synonym:Opuntia tesajo

Synonym:Opuntia cineracea

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage

Foliage Color

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored