Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 42.270500
    [lng] => -71.807900
    [elevation] => 152.8705
    [rainfall] => 1191.5353
    [cold_temperature] => -10.1
    [temperature] => 28.1488
    [user_eto] => 812.1469635
)

Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 351
    [eto_corrected] => 1604
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.21882793
)
Desert Christmas Cactus (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Desert Christmas Cactus

(Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)

Desert Christmas Cactus (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for Worcester, Massachusetts

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
• Precipitation 2" - 91" 47" Aquatic Aquatic
• High Temp. 65°F - 110°F 83°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
• Low Temp. 10°F - 58°F 14°F Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant Excellent
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.

Summary

Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, commonly known as Desert Christmas Cactus, is an evergreen succulent shrub native to the arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly thriving in desert scrub and arid grasslands. It typically reaches heights of 0.5 to 1.8 meters (1.6 to 5.9 feet), with its maximum height often achieved when supported by desert trees. The plant features slender, cylindrical branches that are 3–5 mm across, creating a delicate, spiny silhouette.

Desert Christmas Cactus is notable for its late afternoon blooming flowers, which are pale yellow or greenish yellow, sometimes with red tips, and its red berries that appear around December, giving the plant its common name. The berries are not only decorative but have historical use among indigenous peoples. In cultivation, it is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a container plant for dry, sunny locations. It requires full sun exposure and well-draining soil, with minimal water once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may require protection from frost in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Succulent
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Very Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to desert scrub and arid grasslands in the Southwestern United States and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Christmas Cactus , Desert Christmas Cholla , Pencil Cactus , Tasajillo , Christmas Cholla , Rat-Tail Cactus , Slender-Stem Cactus , Pencil Cactus , Pencil Cholla , Desert Christmas Cactus

Scientific Names: Cylindropuntia leptocaulis , Opuntia leptocaulis , Opuntia leptocaulis var. brittonii , Opuntia mortolensis , Opuntia frutescens , Opuntia fragilis var. frutescens , Opuntia leptocaulis var. longispina , Opuntia leptocaulis var. robustior , Opuntia vaginata , Cylindropuntia leptocaulis var. badia

GBIF Accepted Name: Cylindropuntia leptocaulis (DC.) F.M.Knuth