
(Cylindropuntia whipplei)

Whipple's cholla, Whipple's cactus, Cactus cholla
Cylindropuntia whipplei is a species of cactus that is native to California and Arizona. It is a branching cactus that can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall and 3 feet (1 meter) wide. It has cylindrical, green stems with small spines and yellow flowers that bloom in the spring.
Height: 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters), Width: 2-3 feet (0.6-1 meter)
Cylindropuntia whipplei prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade.
Cylindropuntia whipplei prefers low humidity environments.
This cactus does not require fertilizer, but can benefit from a light feeding of cactus fertilizer in the spring.
Pruning is not necessary, but dead or damaged branches can be removed with clean, sharp shears.
Common pests for Cylindropuntia whipplei include mealybugs and spider mites. Diseases are not common in this cactus.
Not suitable for indoor growing
This cactus is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered occasionally, especially during the summer months.
This cactus can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 20°F (-6°C) to 110°F (43°C).
Cylindropuntia whipplei grows best in the spring and summer months.
Cylindropuntia whipplei is a relatively easy plant to grow, as long as it is given the proper growing conditions.
Cylindropuntia whipplei is hardy in USDA zones 8a to 10b.
The spines of Cylindropuntia whipplei were used by Native Americans to make needles for sewing and to remove splinters.