LET574 Tree Cholla ( Cylindropuntia imbricata )
This is a tree-like cactus with a short, woody trunk and a number of upright candalabra-like branches. A mature trunk will have a 4 inch or larger diameter and the plant can reach 8-10 feet tall, in some cases taller.
The spiny stems are jointed and cylindrical. Large, showy flowers open out wide and are reddish-purple in color. Fruits ripen from green to rose to yellow.
Considered invasive in places in the SouthWest as the joints that fall to the ground regenerate new plants quickly.
It can take severe drought and hard freezes and is suitable to USDA Zones 6 and above.