SKU: 17998928333
cholla pencil cactus

cholla pencil cactus Buy Buckhorn Cholla Phoenix, AZ | C. acanthocarpa

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Description

cholla pencil cactus Buy Buckhorn Cholla Phoenix, AZ | C. acanthocarpaPhoenix's Boldest Flowering Cholla Vivid Spring Blooms and Year Round Sculptural Impact Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) is one of the most visually striking chollas native to the Sonoran Desert. This dense, branching cactus erupts with vivid greenish yellow, pink, and red flowers each spring delivering a color show that few desert plants can rival. Reaching 36 feet tall with a rugged, antler like branching structure, Buckhorn Cholla is

Phoenix's Boldest Flowering Cholla — Vivid Spring Blooms and Year-Round Sculptural Impact

Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa) is one of the most visually striking chollas native to the Sonoran Desert. This dense, branching cactus erupts with vivid greenish-yellow, pink, and red flowers each spring — delivering a color show that few desert plants can rival. Reaching 3–6 feet tall with a rugged, antler-like branching structure, Buckhorn Cholla is built for the extreme heat and drought of the Phoenix Valley. Whether you're creating a sculptural rock garden in Scottsdale, adding a natural boundary in Mesa, or building a wildlife-friendly xeriscape in Chandler — Buckhorn Cholla delivers bold texture and seasonal color with zero fuss.

Buckhorn Cholla Plant Details

Attribute Detail
Scientific Name Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa
Common Names Buckhorn Cholla, Staghorn Cholla, Major Cholla
Mature Height 3–6 feet
Mature Width 3–5 feet
Growth Rate Moderate — 4–8 inches per year in Phoenix
Sun Full sun (6+ hrs). Handles reflected heat from walls and pavement.
Water Very low once established. Extremely drought-tolerant.
USDA Zones 8–11 (Phoenix is Zone 9b–10a)
Soil Well-draining sandy or rocky soil. Adapts to Arizona caliche.
Foliage Evergreen — green photosynthetic stems year-round
Bloom Color Greenish-yellow, pink, or red — late spring to early summer

Buckhorn Cholla Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Sculptural Accent & Rock Gardens

Buckhorn Cholla's dense, antler-shaped branching creates a bold silhouette that anchors any desert garden. Place it as a focal point in a gravel bed, against a dark stucco wall, or among boulders for maximum visual impact. It pairs beautifully with Barrel Cactus, Desert Spoon, and Agave — all available at Three Timbers.

Natural Boundary & Barrier Planting

The dense spines make Buckhorn Cholla an effective and attractive barrier plant. Space 4–5 feet apart along property lines or fence rows to create a living boundary that deters foot traffic while adding architectural interest. Works especially well in Peoria, Glendale, and Surprise subdivisions where lot lines meet open desert.

Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens

The spring blooms attract native bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, while the dense branching provides nesting habitat for cactus wrens and other desert birds. Plant in groupings of 3–5 for maximum wildlife benefit in Gilbert, Tempe, or Paradise Valley backyards.

Best Time to Plant Buckhorn Cholla in Phoenix

Fall (October–November) is the ideal planting window. Soil stays warm for root establishment while cooler air reduces transplant stress. Your Buckhorn Cholla gets 6–8 months of root growth before its first Phoenix summer. Spring (February–April) is the second-best window. Avoid summer planting if possible.

How to Plant Buckhorn Cholla

  1. Dig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width, same depth
  2. Check for caliche — break through any hardpan layer so water drains freely
  3. Backfill with native soil — Buckhorn Cholla prefers lean, fast-draining ground
  4. Spacing — 5–6 ft apart for groupings; 6–8 ft for barrier rows
  5. Water basin — build a 3–4 inch ring to direct water to the root zone
  6. Gravel mulch — 2–3 inches of decomposed granite to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Watering Buckhorn Cholla in Phoenix

First Year Watering Schedule

  • Weeks 1–2: Every 3–4 days, deep and slow
  • Month 1–3: Every 7–10 days
  • Month 3–6: Every 10–14 days (weekly in peak summer)
  • After Year 1: Every 3–4 weeks summer; no supplemental water winter

Drip Irrigation

Place one 1-GPH emitter 12–18 inches from the trunk. Established Buckhorn Chollas are extremely drought-tolerant and many thrive on rainfall alone after the first year in the Phoenix Valley.

How fast does Buckhorn Cholla grow in Phoenix?
Expect 4–8 inches of new growth per year. Plants reach their mature 3–6 foot height within 5–8 years with full sun and well-draining soil.

What colors do Buckhorn Cholla flowers come in?
Buckhorn Cholla produces greenish-yellow, pink, or red flowers depending on the individual plant and local conditions. The blooms appear in late spring to early summer and last several weeks.

Is Buckhorn Cholla safe to plant near walkways?
Buckhorn Cholla has long, sharp spines that detach easily on contact. Plant at least 4–5 feet from walkways, driveways, and play areas. It works best along property edges, in rock gardens, or in low-traffic zones.

Does Buckhorn Cholla handle Phoenix summer heat?
Absolutely. This cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert and thrives in temperatures above 110°F. It handles reflected heat from walls, concrete, and pavement with no issue.

You May Also Like

  • Staghorn Cholla — larger tree-form cholla with magenta spring blooms and dramatic silhouette
  • Teddy Bear Cholla — golden-spined sculptural cholla for bold desert focal points
  • Christmas Cholla — pencil-stemmed cholla with bright red winter berries
  • Engelmann's Prickly Pear — classic pad cactus with yellow spring blooms and purple fruit
  • Desert Spoon — silvery rosette succulent that pairs beautifully with chollas

How Many Buckhorn Cholla Do I Need?

Buckhorn Cholla (3 to 5 ft wide at maturity) works as a single sculptural accent or as a spiny living barrier. For a barrier run along a property line, plant at about 5 ft centers; for a focal grouping, set odd-numbered clusters of 3 to 5 at 5 to 6 ft apart so each antler-branched form stands clear. Because the spines detach on contact, keep every planting at least 4 to 5 ft back from walkways, driveways, pool decks, and play areas.

Barrier length Spacing Plants needed
20 ft ~5 ft centers 5
40 ft ~5 ft centers 9
60 ft ~5 ft centers 13
Focal grouping 5 to 6 ft apart 3 to 5

Buckhorn Cholla Season-by-Season in Phoenix

  • Spring (Feb to Apr): New stem growth and the lead-up to its signature greenish-yellow, pink, and red blooms. Prime second planting window once nights warm.
  • Summer (May to Sep): Peak bloom carries into early summer, drawing native bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, then fruit follows. Built for 110 F+ and reflected heat; benefits from the monsoon but needs no extra water once established.
  • Fall (Oct to Nov): Prime planting season. Warm soil and mild air let roots anchor before winter.
  • Winter (Dec to Jan): Evergreen green stems hold structure through the cold. As a Sonoran Desert native it is genuinely frost-hardy for the Valley, taking normal winter freezes without protection.

At a Glance

✔ Arizona Native   ✔ Heat-Loving (Reflected-Heat Tolerant)   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Low-Maintenance   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Hummingbird-Friendly   ✔ Fire-Wise   ✔ Deer & Rabbit-Resistant   ✔ Cold-Hardy to 15°F

Plant It With

  • Christmas Cholla: pencil-stemmed cholla with bright red winter berries for a native cholla grouping.
  • Engleman's Prickly Pear: classic pad cactus with yellow spring blooms and purple fruit.
  • Fishhook Barrel: native barrel cactus that grounds the planting with a bold round form.
  • Desert Spoon: silvery rosette that softens the spiny cholla texture.

Is Buckhorn Cholla Right for Your Yard?

Buckhorn Cholla thrives in full sun and lean, fast-draining desert soil, takes extreme heat and reflected heat in stride, and as a Sonoran native it needs almost no water or winter protection once established. It is not a fit for high-traffic areas or yards with kids and pets, since the barbed spines detach easily on contact, so keep it to property edges, rock gardens, and low-traffic zones.

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Cuba, US
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It's convenient and easy to use. The interest rate is a little high but it's not a concern if you pay off your balance. I love that you can link it to your Amazon account making it even easier to make payments and manage.
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Easy Approval Process and Great Rewards
I’ve had a very positive experience with the Amazon Store Card so far. The application and approval process was quick, simple, and straightforward. Managing the account through the Synchrony app has also been very easy, with a clean layout that makes it simple to view balances, make payments, and track purchases. One of the best features is the 5% rewards on Amazon purchases for Prime members. The cashback adds up quickly if you shop on Amazon regularly, and the rewards are easy to redeem during checkout. I also appreciate the special financing options that are sometimes offered on larger purchases, along with helpful account alerts and security features. Overall, this card is convenient, user friendly, and a great option for frequent Amazon shoppers.
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Jason
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Like using the card for everything. 5 to 7% cashback credit is awesome. No interest is even better. I put almost all my purchases and bills on my credit accounts or credit cards and pay them off monthly. Now that I'm a senior citizen I don't like to go to 20 different stores to find the best prices. The card made my life less busy and I don't have to worry about paying for the many, many things I need right away. Even though I pay off all my accounts every month. If I need a big ticket item, like a new flat-screen television I can get it and not worry about the cost by paying over time if I need to. Having another credit account has also improved my credit score by the hundreds. I was in the 500s for decades until I started the secured card on Amazon. Now I am nearly at an excellent score in the high 700s and don't need secured credit cards. I can use my account at Whole Foods and have my phone scanned for payment. It's just so easy to use
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
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Sofa~
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 3
Credit limit drop without cause, Synchrony?
Hey Synchrony, I've about had it with your services, I have 2 cards I use through you through Walgreens and Amazon. You lowered My credit limit on both cards causing me to go over on one because of stupid interest when I had 500 left and I had quit using the damn thing, and my Amazon store card I just Made a 200 Payment on! Lowering my limit and leaving me blind, You should call your customers leave a voicemail or text for heck sake ill read them, I don't read my emails usually for 2 or three weeks, well you did it again, but this time to card I just paid 200$ on too!, Your company sucks, I hate your practices, and I want you to know that. I also want Amazon to know that!! I spend a Boatload of money through amazon, as does my entire family, all ya gotta do is look!! Well I have never felt more unappreciated, insulted, like I stole something or like dirt ever ever in my adult life like you made me feel. Like i'm doing something wrong. Well guess what Synchrony Bank? I'm not doing anything wrong, at all!! I've never been late or missed a payment with my Amazon card or any card I have with you, Synchrony. Your Faceless Corp in its infinite wisdom, decided it would be a great idea to screw over an actual good customer just because some stupid algorithm reported my credit limit was too high and I was a risk, and lowered my limit from where it had been for the last 3 years and then sent a Quiet email about a letter that you put on my online account, please read it, just like that, no Urgent header nothing not that. I don't even read my email that often. I DO read texts or my regular mail, or listen to my phone messages!! I meant what I said NEVER LATE not even once, and NEVER MISSED a payment NOT once!!! The ONLY time I ever had to deal with any kind of problem was the one that lowering my limit on my Mastercard were the cause of, Synchrony!!! when you dropped my credit limit without me knowing and I went over my new dang limit because interest charges were coming in!!! I new where I was and had it handled and would have been able to ride the storm but no you had to mess with my account. Oh and I dont give a Crap if you quote me "we have the right to raise or lower you limit whenever we want", It's a BS excuse to screw over your customers, I know about the terms, however in all of my 54 years, you are the only credit card company that has ever lowered a limit one a CC I had EVER! and I've dealt with some Super sketchy Dirtbag Why did I ever agree to this card, charge me for everything Companies. Mostly when I was young but not even they cut my limit, without me missing payments or being late .....Now 30 years later much older and I thought wiser better CC much better 2500$ limit I've had for years and expect that limit to stay in place or like my Prime Store Card 2000$ limit to stay in place!! not dropped by 500$, for hells sake!!!! Well today I get the old hey your payment option for your try before you buy order needs addressed, and why do you think that was? Hmmm? Well, Ill tell you!! Because you Dropped my limit, by 500$ Now if Amazon dropped it then Ill chew them out too, but I don't think it was them, cuz you did this on my Walgreens card too!!! I just made a 200 payment on my Amazon card as well jerks! Not one of the several companies ive had previous Cards with NOT Cap one Cred one, citi, Community bank, american express, discover you name it, and Ive probably had it at one time or another dozens upon dozens over my adult life at this point anyway. Well, not even the Sleaziest Dirtyiest Gutter Scum CC company with fees for just looking at your card has ever lowered my credit limit not in 34 years Especially when I wasn't late or missing payments ever, always been on time and never missed a payment not 1 time, Except SYNCHRONY, and I think you suck for that!! The only reason I gave 3 stars is Amazon doesn't deserve a 1 star review because of your company! I love amazon, I love their products, their deals their delivery Amazon Prime, im ride or die with Amazon, my kids do all their shopping on amazon they even use it for groceries and stuff occasionally, but I really, really don't like how you treat customers Synchrony, especially customers, that pay on time and even early, oh and on auto pay for Christ sake!!! Now I know why some young dumb kids and people say screw it and stop paying CC bills, cuz the Corporations that pass em out like candy to kids, I might add, are SCUM bags, thats why!! It's all about the GREEN, more, and more and more money its never enough!! Well, when you dropped my credit limit without me knowing and I went over the limit of a different card I had with you, it was because of interest fees coming in. I expected and knew about these fees, however, I also thought I had 500 more than I had available on my card!! What a great day that was, let me tell ya!! I didn't even miss a payment I just didn't make a big enough one to cover the interest that came in, and I also never just pay the minimum payment with these cards either!! Your practices are shady, and the crap you pull against loyal customers that pay on time and even on Autopay are so Scummy!! You know when you dropped my credit limit without me knowing and I went over my limit because of interest, I even reached out to my current lawyer about Bankruptcy choices and stuff and if I should deal with you that way, but I got over bein mad! You know if I was late all the time and a crappy customer missing payments I wouldn't blame you for anything and at least Id know my cards were lowered and probably locked ...but I didn't want to do that, I wanted to try and slide right back into auto pay and get back on track and to deal with a recent Identity theft issue im having and not stop paying my bills OH..yeah, you smellin what i'm sellin? Well because of some terrible thing I must have done in a Past life, I guess. Several months ago now when I was dealing with the death of my mom very suddenly. I also noticed my credit score started dropping and I had no idea why, well turns out i'm MR popular. I had all sorts of crap in my name most of it local where I live and surrounding locally. 100 points in like 5 months!! I digress, Whatever! I don't care anymore, cancel my cards if you want, I'm done! This world is goin to hell in a hand basket, Civil War is almost immanent, a Faceless mob can destroy peoples lives just by canceling them on the internet at a whim. When its true I agree with the mob but when there isn't any proof and someone's life is upturned and then it turns out to be a total lie or they said something 12 years ago and its dug up? Good God, I probably said some haynous stuff when I was 25, but I can assure you when I was 37 I was not that person anymore, my views had changed on many things,,,,that stuff is crazy, and so am I for thinking I can do a damn thing,,,, my mom died 5 months ago, I was just recently laid off from my job I had for 17 years last month, and now you drop my limit again when i've been on time and auto paying and almost screw up my Amazon account!!so screw it!! Eat It Synchrony Bank,Eat It! Sorry about 3 Stars Amazon.
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Jim in SoDak
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★★★★★ 5
THE DOG TREATS SO GOOD EVEN PHOEBE KNOWS THEY ARE FROM A WINNER
Size: 1 Count (Pack of 6)
These Wonder Bound pig ears are absolutely INCREDIBLE. Truly one of the greatest dog treats ever created. People come up to me and they say, Sir, my dog has NEVER reacted to anything like this. And I tell them, of course not. These are REAL pig ears. Not the fake tiny pieces you get from weak companies. These are STRONG ears. Beautiful ears. Now I do not personally eat pig ears. Everybody knows this. I have a tremendous diet. Very refined. But DOGS, they understand things on a deeper level. Dogs know QUALITY. Dogs know WINNERS. Some people don’t, but dogs do. And Phoebe. Very smart dog. People tell me she is one of the smartest. Incredible instincts. She saw this bag and immediately knew it was the BEST. Not good. Not great. The BEST. She did the excited thing dogs do. Very respectful. Very appreciative. Some say she even endorsed it. I’m not saying that. But many are. She took the ear and ran like she had just made the greatest deal of her life. Tremendous speed. Very athletic dog. Very loyal. And she chewed it with POWER. You could see it in her eyes. She was thinking, This is from a winner. Dogs sense that. They really do. The size is perfect. Not small. Not flimsy. A whole ear. The kind of treat a DOG OF DISTINCTION deserves. It keeps them busy, focused, and happy. Very important qualities. And let me tell you, Phoebe looked extremely satisfied. People saw it. They said, Sir, that is a dog who knows success. Five stars. Would buy again. If I were a dog, which I am not, I would ONLY eat these. They are THAT good. Just ask Phoebe. She knows.
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