Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Cylindropuntia

Species:

Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa

USDA Symbol:

CYAC8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Succulent

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange, red

Food Forest:

Contains edible parts

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from stem fragments after fire; not fire-dependent.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to very dry

Notes:

Native to arid desert regions; thrives in poor soils.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (nicking or sanding) and warm stratification for germination.