Pencil Cholla

Slender and spiny, the pencil cholla stands out with its narrow, cylindrical stems that resemble a bundle of green pencils. This cactus grows in upright, branching clusters and blooms in spring with yellow to reddish flowers. Native to the Southwest, it’s tough, drought-tolerant, and adds a sculptural, textural element to desert landscapes—just watch out for those sharp spines!