Don’t let the name fool you – the Teddybear Cholla is anything but cuddly. With its dense spines and striking silhouette, this desert-native cactus is an excellent choice for a natural security barrier.
Growing 3 to 6 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, this plant is as tough as it looks. The older spines on the trunk darken to brown or black, while the newer growth at the top appears bright yellow – beautiful, but extremely prickly. Its segmented stems break off easily, clinging to anything that brushes by, including people and pets. So, it’s best to avoid planting near walkways or heavily trafficked areas.
A true desert survivor, the Teddybear Cholla thrives on as little as 4 inches of annual rainfall. Native to the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico, it requires minimal water and maintenance. At maturity, it provides up to 7 square feet of canopy coverage.
Source: Lush & Efficient
