Tephrocactus Species, Cholla Cactus, Paper Spine Cactus
Tephrocactusarticulatus

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Tephrocactus (tef-roh-KAK-tus)
Species: articulatus (ar-tik-oo-LAH-tus)

Synonym:Tephrocactus glomerulatus

Synonym:Opuntia articulata

Synonym:Tephrocactus andicolus

Synonym:Tephrocactus diadematus

Synonym:Tephrocactus turpinii

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Pale Pink
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time

Other details

Soil pH requirements

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored