Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Cylindropuntia

Species:

Cylindropuntia imbricata

USDA Symbol:

CYIM2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Succulent

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

pink, magenta, purple

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from base after low-severity fire; high-severity fire may kill plants.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Thrives in arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks; germination occurs at warm temperatures (20-30°C).

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller

• Planet Desert (nursery)