Cylindropuntia arbuscula aka Branched Pencil Cholla

Cylindropuntia arbuscula is a desert cactus called Arizona pencil cholla. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Its range runs from central Arizona into Sonora, Mexico. It grows on desert flats, slopes, and beside sandy washes. Some sites have heavy soil; others have sand or rocks. Wild plants grow in scattered groups across this dry land.

This shrub stores water and has many thin, jointed branches. Some plants form a small tree with a clear trunk. Plants may stay below 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. Larger plants reach about 10 feet [3 metres]. Branches can grow in an open or dense form. They often start near the ground. The smooth stems range from green to grey-green with purple tones. Their slim joints give the plant its pencil-like look. Older bark turns dark brown to black, rough, and scaly.

Small woolly pads called areoles dot the stems. Pale yellow bristles, called glochids, grow around these pads. Some areoles also bear stout spines that bend down. Loose covers, called sheaths, surround the larger spines. These covers are tan or yellow-brown. Flowers open at the joint tips during May and June. They come in greenish yellow, bronze, orange-bronze, and red tones. Fleshy fruits may look like small barrels or pears. Their colours range from green to yellow. Some have purple or red marks. Many fruits fail to form fertile seeds and stay on plants.

Gardeners use this plant in dry landscapes and wildlife habitats. They also plant it to restore native growth. Plants For A Future says established plants need no added water. That source lists USDA zones 8–11. LLIFLE notes that frost can harm the plant. Birds find sheltered nest sites among the spiny branches. Birds, rodents, and other desert mammals eat the fruits. Plantings can also help limit soil loss. Joints that break off can root in suitable soil after seasonal rain. Plants grown from seed take longer, with less reliable results.

People have used the flower buds and fruits as food. Local people also use the fruits to make drinks. These foods need careful spine removal and cooking before use. Cooking alone does not make the glochids safe. Bristles left on food can harm the body when swallowed. Gloves and tools help reduce harm when handling and preparing food. The food takes work to prepare and has modest eating quality. Plants For A Future records no known medicinal use.