Cylindropuntia imbricata aka Candelabrum Cactus

Cylindropuntia imbricata is a cactus. People call it tree cholla or devil's rope. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Its native range starts in southeastern Arizona. It extends to southwestern Kansas and Mexico. It grows in dry scrub and on desert plains. Much of its habitat has sand or gravel. Some groups grow in cool uplands, unlike many other cacti. People also grow it for looks outside its native range.

This succulent forms a shrub or a small, branching tree. LLIFLE gives a usual height near 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Virginia Tech reports plants reaching 12 feet [3.7 metres]. Plants of rare size can reach 15 feet [4.6 metres]. A woody trunk holds up the branches, which grow upright. The joints are thick and round. Its dark bark grows rough and scaly with age. The joints range from green to grey-green. They have raised bumps called tubercles. Small leaves grow near the areoles, then fall off early. The joints resist breaking off and may droop in winter. They regain their form in spring.

Each areole bears long spines and small bristles with barbs. These bristles are called glochids. Spines range from silver and yellow to brown or pink. A thin sheath, like paper, covers each long spine. Flowers open near the ends of joints. Bloom lasts from late spring into summer. Most flowers have shades of pink or purple. Virginia Tech notes that some have yellow-orange tones. Leafcutter bees visit the flowers and spread their pollen. The fleshy fruits are shaped like barrels, with yellow-green skin. They lack spines and can stay on the plant through winter. Birds, deer, and pronghorn eat the fruit. Desert bighorn sheep eat it too.

The plant grows in summer and is easy to grow. Its roots need soil that drains well. Mixes with sand or gravel suit this need. Let the soil dry between waterings. Cold, damp conditions raise the risk of rot. LLIFLE lists USDA zones 5a–8. It also notes that the plant withstands strong summer heat. Stem joints can root in loose soil that drains well. Repot crowded plants in spring. Then wait at least a week before watering.

Its branches, flowers, and lasting fruit add interest to gardens. Its thorny growth also shelters small wild animals. The species has spread beyond its native range. New South Wales lists it as a noxious weed. Cochineal insects have helped control it in Australia. The supplied species evidence does not show whether humans can eat it. Nor does it show whether the plant is toxic.