Alternate name: Jumping Cholla
Family: Cactaceae, Cactus view all from this family
Description A miniature tree, the upper half with short, stubby branches densely covered with pale golden spines. Flowers green or yellow, the petals often streaked with lavender.
Flowers: 1-1 1/2" (2.5-3.8 cm) wide, near ends of joints.
Stems: joints cylindrical, 3-10" (7.5-25 cm) long.
Spines: 1/2-1" (1.3-2.5 cm) long.
Fruit: about 3/4" (2 cm) long, yellow, egg-shaped, knobby.
Height: 3-9' (30-270 cm).
Warning The spines of the Teddybear Cholla stick instantly and hold tightly by means of minute, backwardly directed barbs. When a joint (which seems to "jump" when detached by a light touch or bump) is severely stuck, the victim's best solution is to cut the spines with scissors or clippers and pull them from the flesh with pliers.
Flower March-April.
Habitat Hot, dry rocky slopes in deserts.
Range Southeastern California to western Arizona; south to northwestern Mexico.
Discussion Though the branches resemble the arms and legs of a fuzzy teddy bear, this plant is far from cuddly. With its painfully clinging spines, it is one of the most formidable and respected Cacti of the Southwest.
