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Item ID: 63 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Cylindropuntia Species: arbuscula Common Name: Pencil Cholla Habitat: Found in sandy or gravelly desert soils of low washes, flats and grasslands from around 1,000 to 3,500 feet elevation. Range: This species is found within Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Yavapai, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties in southern Arizona. It then extends into Sonora and as far south as Sinaloa, Mexico. Care: This Cylindropuntia can be easily grown as a landscape cholla. It is not a prolific growing species and is known to be rather slow. It can be coaxed into growth with extra water and fertilizer during the hot summer but this plant is a true desert dweller that can easily do without any extra care. It can also survive in almost any of our native soils and really needs very little extra effort by the gardener. Propagation: Propagated from seed. Quicker and easier grown by removing some of the numerous joint stems. Size: This plant can get as large as 6 feet wide and attain a height of over 8.5 feet. Shape: Padded/Jointed Flowers: The flower color is greenish yellow or sometimes a light reddish brown.

Photo Courtesy of Vonn Watkins ©2004 Description Easily identified from other native chollas and so called "pencil chollas" by the somewhat yellowish green stem color and smooth surface. The further spaced sheath covered golden or dirty yellow spines can be quite distinctive. Some variations in spines can be confusing as this species is also seen with only a few large spines or none at all. Plants grow from a single trunk. Author Comments Arbuscula (like a small tree) is a rather slow growing cholla that can add some needed variety to any desert landscape. It can be somewhat hard to find in some nurseries and garden centers so if you want one be sure to call ahead for availability. Many of us can well appreciate our native chollas and if you are looking to add some variety to your home, don't forget Cylindropuntia arbuscula. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 67 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Cylindropuntia Species: kleiniae var. tetracantha Common Name: Klein's Cholla, Klein Pencil Cholla, Thin Cane Cholla Habitat: This cholla is usually found near wash areas and desert flats and also occurs in the low hills. Elevations for this species is from 2,000 to as much as 4,000 feet. Range: The distribution for this plant can be somewhat wide spread although it is not an overly common species wherever it is found. In Arizona it has the largest population concentrated in and around Tucson, but it is also seen in Yavapai, Navajo, Gila, Pinal, Pima and Cochise County. Southward it extends through Sonora and into Sinaloa, Mexico. Care: This is a very easy plant to care for. It requires very little care at all but may need a little extra water during the hot summer to maintain a healthy appearance. In Arizona it is commonly attacked by the longhorn cactus beetle (Moneilema gigas) or (Moneilema armata) as are many of the chollas. This is a hardy plant that can take some very cold temperatures even below 0º F or the extremes of Arizona heat and sunlight. Propagation: Propagated by the easily removable stems or from seed. The stems root very well and can quickly establish. Size: Rather large mature plants can be found growing to over 7 feet tall and up to 8 feet wide. In cultivation, very large plants can found. Shape: Padded/Jointed Flowers: Flowers are commonly found to be somewhat of a light pink color with darker outer petals or sometimes even darker or lighter. The flower size is approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

Photo Courtesy of Vonn Watkins ©2005 Description The joints of this cholla are usually about 2 to 6 inches in length. They are somewhat dark green in color and equipped with formidable barbed spines .25 to 1 inch in length. Author Comments This has become a more popular cholla in recent years and more and more people seem attracted by the shape and flower color. It is a dangerous plant for both pets and unaware children or others who venture too close. The sharply barbed spines can attach with ease so caution should always be thought of when around this cactus. This cholla has been a favorite of mine for many years and can easily be cultivated throughout the south and even into colder parts of the country. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 68 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Cylindropuntia Species: imbricata Common Name: Tree Cactus, Cane Cactus, Cane Cholla, Coyote Candles Habitat: The habitat of this cactus is the rocky and sandy soils found throughout a variety of localities from 3,500 to over 6,000 feet elevation. It can often be seen growing in arid grasslands but may also appear along lower mountain hillsides and extensive valleys. Range: This Cylindropuntia is found from the southern parts of Colorado into and through New Mexico, southwest Kansas and Oklahoma. Then extends southward throughout the western parts of Texas. It is found in limited colonies in southeastern Arizona and extends below the border into Chihuahua, Mexico. Care: This is one of the most frequently cultivated chollas. It is a freely growing plant that requires little care and attention. It is not particular about types of soil and can easily grow well in areas where temperatures can drop to 0º F. As with most chollas it may require a somewhat open position in your yard or garden and may need an extra rocky or easily draining soil in regions where more rain may occur. Propagation: This is an easily propagated species that can be started by stem cuttings or by seed collection and germination. Size: This is a rather large species that can be at least 10 feet tall and can extend to over 6 feet in width. Shape: Padded/Jointed Flowers: Flowers appear in late April through May. The common flower color is usually either dark reddish lavender, magenta, or a deep rose-pink. These colors are the most common ones found in this species, but others have been seen.

Photos Courtesy of Karen Keller ©2005 Description One distinctive feature of Cylindropuntia imbricata is the rather thick, heavy stems and the large elongated tubercles. The beautiful spring flower display is always a real spring treat. The rather small spine clusters can be quite dangerous with each spine being equipped with notable barbs. Spines are from .25 to a little over an inch in length. Author Comments My first close encounter with this plant was many years ago while traveling from south Texas to the west during a short vacation. I quickly fell in love with the shape of the stems and the very attractive flowers. I have had this species in cultivation for many years and it has always been on of my favorite chollas. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 70 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Echinopsis Species: pachanoi Common Name: San Pedro Cactus, Giganton, Peruvian Torch, Achuma, Aguacholla, Simora, Cimora Blanca, San Pedrillo Habitat: These plants grow in mountanous regions on sloped areas and along cliffs in very rocky well drained soil. Range: The native areas where this cactus is found are in the South American countries of Peru and Ecuador. It was first found on the western slopes of the Andes at around 6,000 feet elevation. They extend within this range to over 9,000 feet. There have been reports of this plants' occurance in Bolivia, but the information on the actual range is still incomplete. It is widely cultivated and is now grown throughout many South American countries. Care: This is a fairly easy plant to grow in and around the Tucson area. It is hardy to frosts and cold weather to around 15º F. Propagation: Propagation of this cactus is easily done by taking stem cuttings. Because of clonal distribution, seed production is best done using a variety of pachanoi generic stock. Size: The height of this plant can exceed 19 feet although plants in Tucson rarely attain that size. The large base can extend more than 5 feet in diameter with multiple stems. Shape: Columnar Flowers: The flowers of this plant are large, night blooming and can be from 7 to over 9 inches in width. They are very fragrant and have white inner segments and outer petals that are a brownish red color. The fruit is scaly with many dark gray hairs.

Description This is a rather easy plant to describe. When looking at this cactus one of the main characteristics is the extremely short spines. On plants found in a shaded environment the spines may be totally undetectable. The tall stems usually have 6 gray/green rather plump ribs. The areoles (spine and flower structures) are rather far apart and are whitish. They look somewhat like fuzzy white dots along the ribs. Author Comments This plant was once under the genera of Trichocereus, but has recently been re-classified under Echinopsis. It is a cactus that has been used and also widely cultivated for over 1000 years by the indians of the Andean region. It has been used as a treatment for such problems as gastritis, sterility as well as a hallucinogen and is used as a sacrament in ritualistic ceremonies. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 71 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Escobaria Species: vivipara var. bisbeeana Common Name: Bisbee Beehive Cactus, Beehive Cactus Habitat: This species is usually found in grassland or the plains but also is found in the hills and mountain areas growing with a variety of other plants. It can be associated with the Oak and Juniper woodland areas as well as the scrub brush plains and grassland communities. Range: Variety bisbeeana is widely distributed in parts of southern Arizona from the eastern parts of Maricopa through Pima, Pinal, Gila, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties. It also extends through the southern part of New Mexico and into Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico. It is found in a variety of locations from 2,500 to 5,000 feet elevation. Care: This can be an easy plant to grow and is usually a rather long range survivor in cultivation. This species is very cold tolerant and can survive temperatures to at least 0º F. It may need some slight protection against the intense southwestern sun, especially during the summer months although native populations seem to be extremely hardy. Propagation: Seed or the removal of small stems from a mother plant are the best propagation methods. Size: Single plants may be 2 inches wide and more than 3 inches in height. In age plants may cluster and there have been reports of plants with as many as 100 or more heads. Some of these clusters can be as much as 24 or more inches in diameter. Shape: Clustering Flowers: Flowering usually begins in late May or June. The flowers are from a dusty pale pink toward the interior to a darker more vibrant pink at the petal tips.

Photo Courtesy of Karen Keller ©2004 Description Variety bisbeeana is one of about eight known vivipara varieties. With variety bisbeeana their can be some obvious difference in appearances. Some plants may have short, very white spines and others may have a more robust appearance with longer whitish spines with rusty to dark brown tips. Some plants cluster freely and will have smaller stems while others may have much larger stems. Variety in this favorite vivipara species is quite well known. Author Comments Viviparus means that this species can germinate seedlings while the fruit is still attached to the mother plant. This can be easily seen with close observations as the green fruit begins to turn slightly purple and is sliced. It should also be noted that Cactus vivipara is one of the oldest described species that was first written about in 1813 by the great naturalist, botanist and ornithologist, Thomas Nuttall. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 77 Family: Agavaceae Genus: Dasylirion Species: acrotrichum Common Name: Sotol Verde Habitat:  Range: This species of Dasylirion is quite widespread throughout the central part of Mexico. It can be found in Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Puebla, Querétaro, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Care: This plant can easily be grown in full sun in and around Tucson. It is very drought tolerant but likes extra amounts during the summer. Otherwise it is a very care free species and likes a fairly well drained soil. As the plant grows older the dried leaves around the trunk can be removed for a more ornamental appearance. Small plants can reach a nice size in only a few years. Propagation: This species is easily grown from seed. Size: Plants can expand to about 60 inches in width at maturity and be over 5.5 feet in height. Very large plants have a noticable trunk usually with lots of dried leaves skirting the base. Shape: Rosette Flowers: The flowers appear in the spring. The large flower spike can be up to 14 feet tall on large mature plants. The flower color is white and each individual flower is very small.

Description The leaves of this plant can be up to about 40 inches in length and usually have a cascading effect. Plants can be large after only a few years growth. The "GREEN" color of the leaves make this species easily distinguished from Dasylirion wheeleri. The word acrotrichum refers to the "hairy ends" or dried fringe at the tip of each leaf. Author Comments This plant has been in cultivation since 1890 and is still found in many European countries. It is quite tolerant of frost and can be grown easily where the temperature rarely falls below 15º. Today this is a great cultivated species that can be seen in many of the southwestern states. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 45 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Ferocactus Species: cylindraceus Common Name: Compass Barrel Cactus, Fire Barrel Cactus, California Barrel, Cliff Barrel Habitat: This Ferocactus is found in desert soils, sandy gravel areas and very rocky hillsides and mountainous locations. Range: A rather widespread species that occurs in locations from just west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima county and north in Pinal, Maricopa, Yuma, Yavapai, Mohave and Coconino counties. In California it is found in Imperial, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside counties then south into Mexico and Baja California. Care: This is a very dry weather Ferocactus. It is found growing successfully in areas that get less than 5 inches of rainfall a year. Sometimes this is somewhat forgotten or unknown in cultivation with unfavorable circumstances and neglect may be the safest method for adequate survival. One suggestion would be to choose a smaller plant rather than a larger one and provide adequate drainage as well as a bright sunny location. Propagation: Propagation is by seed that can usually be found during the late fall months or sometimes even earlier. This is the first Ferocactus species I cultivated from seed over 20 years ago and the plants are still healthy and doing well in 2004. Size: Plants are cylindrical and somewhat barrel shaped. This species can grow to as tall as about 9 feet or rarely larger. The diameter of the plant can be as much as 14 inches. Shape: Globular Flowers: Flowers are yellow sometimes with a slight tint of red along the outer portions.

Photo Courtesy of Vonn Watkins ©2005 Description The "Compass Barrel" is a really beautiful species and can be best described as the twisted spine barrel. The spines are closely spaced and the flowers sometimes have difficulty opening fully. The above photo is of a thin, golden spined plant but most will be spined in shades of red along with gray or even a dull white or golden color. This barrel will usually grow slightly toward the south or southwest as is the compass indication. Author Comments The name is officially designated as Ferocactus cylindraceus from the previously named Ferocactus acanthodes. Edward Anderson recognized three subspecies or varieties of Ferocactus cylindraceus. Ferocactus cylindraceus ssp. cylindraceus, Ferocactus cylindraceus ssp. lecontei and Ferocactus cylindraceus ssp. tortulispinus. At one time subspecies eastwoodiae was included here but is now recognized as a seperate species. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 46 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Ferocactus Species: emoryi Common Name: Coville's Barrel, Emory's Cactus, Nail Keg Barrel Habitat: Usually found in rocky soils associated with hillside environments, but in some areas in Sonora, Mexico plants are often found growing in plains and grassland areas. Located from around sea level to over 3,000 feet elevation. Range: The northern limit of this species is in and around the Sierra Estrella mountains just southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. South in Pima County near Ajo and into the Pima Indian Reservation and Organ Pipe Cactus National Park then all the way along the coastal region of the state of Sonora, Mexico to just below the city of Guaymas. Care: This barrel is a choice garden favorite from Phoenix south to Tucson as well as other areas around southern Arizona. A very easy to care for plant that is well suited for a harsh desert environment. Plants grown in a desert garden area need little or no extra care but can be given fertilizer as well as a little extra water to insure healthy growth. Propagation: Propagation of this species is by seed. Size: Large mature specimens at least 6 feet in height to over 2 feet in diameter can be found. Shape: Globular Flowers: Flowers are somewhat of a dark red color and can be seen usually during the month of August.

Photo Courtesy of Vonn Watkins ©2003 Description Seedling blue green/gray stem (skin) color seedling plants will transform to a more deep green color in mature plants. Small seedlings as well as juveniles of Ferocactus emoryi look nothing like a large mature plant. If you have a small plant and watch it grow over the years to a flowering size this transformation will be much more evident and understood. The reddish colored spines on smaller plants will eventually convert to gray or even light straw colors on larger specimens. Author Comments Ferocactus emoryi is a beautiful barrel cactus so get this plant growing at your home very soon. It is much more fun to start with smaller plants and watch them mature over the years. This is a favorite of mine to grow from seed. Populations of this species have been found to have a very light, straw colored spine that is somewhat rarely found in cultivation. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 47 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Ferocactus Species: glaucescens Common Name: No common name. Habitat: This species is found within the numerous limestone hills and boulders at several locations in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. It has been noted to favor the more northern slopes and the plants are well associated with the rocky, juniper woodland community to around 5,000 feet elevation. Range: Ferocactus glaucescens is only known to be native within the state of Hidalgo, Mexico and is common in and around such areas as Meztitlan, Toliman and Jacala. Care: Plants are easy to grow and require little care once they have reached a nice flowering size. To insure robust plants in your garden they can be fertilized and watered around late April through May. This usually aids in maintaining a healthier plant. Be sure to limit the watering to about once a week. A well drained soil is preferred with some amounts of a good rich garden soil added. A good cactus soil mixture is recommended for container growing. Propagation: Propagation is by seed and is very easy with this species. Size: This species can be about 20 inches in height and up to 20 inches in diameter. Multiple heads are produced as the plant ages and can form a very large mound. Shape: Globular Flowers: Flowers are lemon yellow and are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Photo Courtesy of Vonn Watkins ©2003 Description The blue green appearance of this barrel with the nice light golden spines makes it very easy to identify. The spines are rather neatly distributed and the unusual looking white fruits are unmistakable. Another variety, "F. glaucescens var. nuda" has recently been introduced and is a real prize as it has little or no spines. Author Comments This is a very choice selection for a landscape plant. In recent years numerous plants have been sold in Tucson and is still quite abundant in most nurseries and garden centers. It is hardy during the winter months to around 20º fahrenheit and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. I would highly recommend this particular species. It can be a very neat, compact and attractive addition as a container or landscape plant. Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

Item ID: 48 Family: Cactaceae Genus: Ferocactus Species: hamatacanthus Common Name: Texas Barrel cactus, Turk's Head, Biznaga Limilla, Visnaga and Giant Fish-hook Barrel Habitat: Plants are often found in some extreme, rocky, desert-scrub areas and also in grassland hillsides. This plant is usually found associated with large rocky locations and can be associated with unreachable cliffs. Range: No populations are found in New Mexico although it was once reported to be in Otero County. This species is found below 4,500 in elevation in southwestern Texas from El Paso and extends east into the Davis Mountains. It extends further east just above the Devil's River and then south to Del Rio. It is also found in Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Care: This species is one of the easiest of the Ferocactus to grow. It requires little care and is well adaptable for the Tucson area. This is a hardy Ferocactus that can take frost and cold weather to about 15º Fahrenheit. It can also be grown in full sun when properly acclimated. It is an excellent plant that can easily be neglected without excessive problems. Propagation: Propagation is very easily accomplished by seed. Size: A single plant can be up to 24 inches or more in height and about 12 to 18 inches in diameter. Shape: Globular Flowers: Beautiful, fragrant, yellow flowers sometimes streaked with red approximately 2 to 3 inches in width are common with this species of Ferocactus.

Photo Courtesy of Vonn Watkins ©2003 Description Some information written about this plant is totally wrong. This barrel can be larger than has been noted in some books. The "Size" description above is true and I have seen plants growing in their natural habitat that are equal to those sizes. The most notable feature of this plant is the long, thin, extremely hooked spines with the significant tubercled areoles. The beautiful yellow flowers are yet another really special treat that should not be missed. Author Comments This is an old friend of mine that I have seen many times during my travels through areas in Texas and further into Coahuila, Mexico. In some ranching areas I have also seen plants that have been devastated (burned spineless) by fire and continue to grow new spines and then flower with ease. This Ferocactus has always been a special interest plant for me and should be an easily accepted species for your garden. Don't let those long hooked spines scare you away! Additional Information About This Plant: http:// Feedback Encouraged: Provide feedback about this plant

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