Plant Min Zone: 5b
Plant Max Zone: 10a
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Very Low, Low
Soil Quality: Poor, Average
Bloom Season: Summer
Flower Color: Yellow
Berry / Fruit Color: Red
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Low
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Sandy Soils, Rocky Soils, Alkaline Soils (high PH)
Height: 2' - 4'
Width: 2' - 4'
Growth Rate: Medium
Service Life: Medium: 3-5 years
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: Extremely Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Yuccas and Cacti Need No Trimming Except to Remove the Dead Flower Stalk.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Survives Under Roof Overhang, Thin Roof Garden Locations, Survives Severe Drought, Tolerates Extreme Heat, Resistant to Rabbits, Crevice Gardens
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Root Rot Disease, Mealy Bugs, Cactus Bugs
Plant Limitations: Needs Excellent Drainage
Shippable in 2026: YES
This hardy Christmas Tree Cholla came to us from Oklahoma nursery near Tulsa. This cold hardy cactus (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis) features yellowish-green flowers and nice architectural upright form in to the garden. But most interesting is the bright red fruit that develops in the fall with striking abundance, hence the common name, "Christmas Tree Cholla". Native to arid soils in parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, the plant grows into a vicious unforgiving shrub if you get too close. Look for a future spineless form. From a distance however, this cactus has a place as one of the few upright cacti that can handle extreme cold when kept dry. With very well drained soils and proper siting, this cactus seems to take our excess rainfall in Eastern Kansas. We are testing this outside in our crevice garden among other hardy cacti and succulents! We will keep you posted. (2026)