Cylindropuntia leptocaulis aka Christmas Cactus

Cylindropuntia leptocaulis is a shrubby cactus in the cactus family. Gardeners call it Christmas cholla, pencil cholla, or tasajillo. Its native range runs from Oklahoma south into Mexico. It also grows in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It lives on desert flats, rocky slopes, and grasslands. Open, dry shrublands also suit this plant.

The plant branches near ground level and forms a dense shrub. Virginia Tech gives a height of 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Its many slender stems give it a fine, twiggy outline. The round stem joints range from grey-green to purple. Short side joints spread out from the main branches. These joints break away with ease. Older bark turns dark brown to black, rough, and scaly. Areoles carry small tufts of pale wool that grey with age. They also bear tiny, yellow to reddish-brown glochids. Some areoles hold up to three long, sheathed spines. The longest spines reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres].

Flowers grow at the tips of the stem joints. Their colour ranges from yellow-green to reddish. Most bloom in late spring, with more flowers through summer. LLIFLE also records some autumn bloom. The small fruits have a barrel or pear shape. They turn bright red and ripen around December. Their winter colour stands out against the green stems. The fruits supply food for wildlife during the colder months. Dense branches give birds and small mammals shelter. They also offer cover for nesting birds.

Grow this cactus in abundant sun with little added water. Use sandy or gravelly soil that drains well. Let the soil dry before watering again. Cold, damp soil can lead to root rot. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–11, but LLIFLE gives more cautious cold limits. It reports tolerance near 28°F [−2°C] when conditions stay dry. It recommends frost-free care to avoid marks on the stems. These differing reports call for care when judging local winter suitability.

The plant suits dry gardens where its winter fruit adds colour. Keep its sharp parts away from paths. PFAF describes the fruit as sweet, juicy, and edible. The soft seeds are edible too. Remove all glochids before preparing fruit, and strain juice well. These tiny bristles lodge in skin and resist removal. Gloves and tools help reduce contact during handling. Traditional uses include stem poultices for wounds and broken bones. Such uses do not establish that these treatments work.