Cylindropuntia bigelovii is a Sonora desert plant. It is a pretty but hostile plant, forming large bushes about 6 ft tall. Dense light yellow spines give the stems that 'Teddy Bear" appearance, but spines are long sharp and barbed. It is best enjoyed from the safe distance.
This picture is taken in Joshua Tree park, an the spot called "Cholla patch". There is a large and dense standing of Cylindropuntia bigelovii at that spot. Plant is very common down south and east, in southern California and Arizona, and in adjacent Mexico deserts. Plants have pretty flowers that I'll show some day I promise, and also spread vegetatively, dropping stem segments to the ground where they start as another plant.
This is an easy species in culture, if given lots of warmth and sun. It is hard to recommend it for the collection though, due to size and extreme hostility.
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