Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Cylindropuntia

Species:

Cylindropuntia whipplei

USDA Symbol:

CYWH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Succulent

Height:

150 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

yellow, greenish-yellow

Food Forest:

Contains edible parts

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from base after low-severity fire; adapted to fire-prone habitats.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks; sow in well-drained soil.