Buckhorn Cholla (Opuntia acanthocarpa)

DESCRIPTION: Similar to Staghorn Cholla except mature fruit is dry, covered by spines, and only stay on plant for a few months (versus mature fruit being fleshy, usually spineless or only weakly spined, and persistent for more than a year in Staghorn Cholla). Both grow from 3'-15' tall. Both species have stems that range from green to purplish in color. Flowers in both species are variable in color. Fruit are pale yellow, drop off after a few months, and are well-spined.
NATURAL HISTORY: Both Staghorn and Buckhorn Cholla are used to make delicious cholla buds by the Tohono O'odham and others.