Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa aka Buckhorn Cholla

Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa, or buckhorn cholla, belongs to the cactus family. This succulent shrub grows in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Kew places its range from southwestern Utah through western Arizona into Mexico. It lives in deserts and dry scrub. Its sites include rocky slopes, desert flats, washes, and open scrub.

The plant branches near the ground and forms a woody framework. Sources give heights of about 12–13 feet [3.7–4 metres]. Plants For A Future gives a spread of about 10 feet [3 metres]. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace. The jointed stems range from grey-green to purple. Each joint can reach 1 foot [0.3 metres] long. Older bark turns dark brown to black, rough, and scaly. Silvery-yellow spines have thin, papery covers. They grow in clusters called areoles, often with 10–15 spines each.

Red or yellow flowers open at the joint tips in midsummer. Each flower measures about 0.17 feet [0.05 metres] across. Bees and other insects pollinate them. The spiny fruit has a barrel or pear shape. It starts fleshy and red, then dries and turns yellow-brown. Birds and mammals eat the fruit. Birds also nest among the branches. Small mammals find shelter within the plant's dense structure.

Buckhorn cholla needs full sun and dry soil that drains well. It grows in sandy or loamy ground, including poor soils. Neutral to alkaline conditions suit it, even where alkalinity is high. It tolerates drought, strong heat, and low humidity. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–11. Detached stem joints can take root in suitable soil. Gardeners can use these joints to raise new plants. Seeds have hard coats and germinate slowly. Its form and wildlife value suit dry landscapes.

Indigenous peoples have used this cactus as a seasonal food. Flower buds were the main crop, with fruit a lesser resource. Young stem joints also have food uses. Safe use demands complete removal of spines and glochids. These fine bristles can harm skin, the mouth, and the digestive tract. Cooking does not make glochids harmless. Use tools rather than bare hands when handling the plant. Its edible history does not make it a simple foraging choice. Plants For A Future records no known medicinal use.