Tree Cactus
Cholla, Tree Cholla, Walkingstick Cholla, CardensÃa, Coyonostle, Cane Cactus, Candelabrum Cactus, Velas de Coyote (Coyote Candles)
Cylindropuntia imbricata (Haw.) F.M. Knuth var.imbricata
Whole plant
Family : Cactaceae
Longevity : Perennial
Origin : Native
Season : Cool
Tree Cactus stands three to ten feet in height and sometimes forms dense thickets. It can be found growing in gravelly to sandy portions of the South Texas Plains and the Edwards Plateau. The joints are cylindrical and covered with spines. The delicate, purple flowers are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and 2 to 3 inches broad. The fruit is yellow and 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. The fruit and stems of Tree Cactus are not known to be eaten by man or animal. However, when the stem is dried out it is made into a unique walking stick and the fruit can be used as a dye.
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