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Blue Diamond cholla

Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia ×multigeniculata

Family: Cactaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Blue Diamond Cholla (Cylindropuntia × multigeniculata)

The Blue Diamond Cholla is a fascinating cactus native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This shrubby plant, known for its spiny joints, has captured the attention of botanists, gardeners, and conservationists alike. It's also sometimes referenced as *Opuntia multigeniculata*

Considerations for Pets

  • The Blue Diamond Cholla is a big-needled cactus.

Considerations for Children

  • The Blue Diamond Cholla is a big-needled cactus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia × multigeniculata (accepted name)
  • Common Name: Blue Diamond Cholla
  • Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Opuntia multigeniculata
    • Opuntia whipplei Engelmann & Bigelow var. multigeniculata (Clokey) L. Benson
    • Cylindropuntia multigeniculata (Clokey) Backeberg
    • Opuntia × multigeniculata
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States.
  • Primarily found in the Blue Diamond Hills of the Spring Mountains in Clark County, Nevada.
  • Grows at elevations from 3200-4500ft.

Ecological Role

  • The Blue Diamond Cholla is one of 44 plants or animals in Nevada on the federal endangered species list.
  • It is a candidate species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
  • Its habitat is being acquired by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) from Hardie Gypsum.
  • Mentioned to coexist with unique geologic features, plants and animals including desert tortoises, bighorn sheep

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Low-growing, shrubby, densely branched cactus.
  • Has one to several upright stems.
  • Grows to 3ft tall and 3ft wide.
  • Has yellow-green flowers in March to April.
  • Cylindrical stem segments with diamond-shaped tubercles.
  • Big-needled cactus.

Further Information

  • Garden Guides
  • Dave's Garden
  • ResearchGate