Teddybear Cholla

Description:

Densely covered with long, glistening, sharply barbed spines that mostly obscure the stem. Probably the inspiration for the bumper sticker: "Have you hugged your cactus today?" The joints readily break off and will often root to form a new plant. Also called Jumping Cactus because these detached joints so readily catch in clothing or skin. About 20 cm long and 3 cm in diameter. Usually grows from one distinct trunk but with a compact form less than 1.5 m tall. Flowers are greenish yellow; sometimes with a bit of lavender or red. Fruit is green or yellow often without viable seed.

Habitat:

Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in Tucson’s Coronado National Forest and is home to spectacular desert landscapes and abundant wildlife. During the winter and summer rainy seasons, pools of water form in rocky outcroppings that wind up among hillsides resplendent with palo verde trees, cholla and prickly pear cactus and graceful groves of ocotillo.