Columnar cacti are a fascinating type of cactus that have a unique and distinct appearance. These cacti are known for their tall, cylindrical shape, which can range from a few feet to over 60 feet in height. They are often found in arid regions of the world, such as the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

There are two main types of columnar cacti: arborescent and shrubby. Arborescent columnar cacti are tall and tree-like, with a single trunk that branches out near the top. Shrubby columnar cacti are shorter and bushier, with multiple stems that grow from the base. Both types of columnar cacti are prized by collectors and gardeners for their unique appearance and ability to thrive in harsh environments.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Columnar cacti are a distinct type of cactus known for their tall, cylindrical shape.
There are two main types of columnar cacti: arborescent and shrubby.
Columnar cacti are prized by collectors and gardeners for their unique appearance and ability to thrive in harsh environments.

Arborescent Columnar Type

San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis Pachanoi)

The San Pedro Cactus is a tall and slender columnar cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to the Andes Mountains of Peru and Ecuador and is commonly used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The San Pedro Cactus is also known as the “Cactus of the Four Winds” because it is believed to have magical properties that can help one connect with the four cardinal directions.

Baseball Bat Cactus (Neoraimondia Herzogiana)

The Baseball Bat Cactus is a unique columnar cactus that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It is native to Bolivia and is named after its long, cylindrical shape that resembles a baseball bat. The Baseball Bat Cactus is also known as the “Silver Torch” because of its silver-grey spines that cover its stem.

Snow White Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea Ursine)

The Snow White Prickly Pear is a small and compact columnar cactus that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It is native to the southwestern United States and is named after its white spines that cover its stem. The Snow White Prickly Pear is also known as the “Hedgehog Cactus” because of its prickly appearance.

Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea)

The Saguaro is a large and iconic columnar cactus that can grow up to 60 feet tall. It is native to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, California, and Mexico and is the largest cactus species in the United States. The Saguaro is also known as the “King of the Desert” because of its impressive size and longevity.

Mexican Organ Pipe (Stenocereus Griseus)

The Mexican Organ Pipe is a tall and slender columnar cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to Mexico and is named after its unique shape that resembles an organ pipe. The Mexican Organ Pipe is also known as the “Pitahaya Dulce” because of its sweet and juicy fruit.

Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus Senilis)

The Old Man Cactus is a small and slow-growing columnar cactus that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It is native to Mexico and is named after its long, white hairs that cover its stem. The Old Man Cactus is also known as the “White Persian Cat” because of its furry appearance.

Joshua Tree (Yucca Brevifolia)

The Joshua Tree is a large and iconic columnar cactus that can grow up to 40 feet tall. It is native to the Mojave Desert of California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada and is named after the biblical figure Joshua. The Joshua Tree is also known as the “Tree Yucca” because of its tree-like appearance.

That’s all about the arborescent columnar type of cactus.

Shrubby Columnar Type

Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa)

Buckhorn Cholla is a shrubby columnar cactus that grows up to 6 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with sharp, golden spines. The stems are segmented and are usually green, but can turn red or purple in response to environmental stress. Buckhorn Cholla produces small yellow flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by red or green fruits.

Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus Geometrizans)

Blue Myrtle Cactus is a columnar cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has blue-green stems that are covered with small, white spines. The stems are segmented and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. Blue Myrtle Cactus produces small, yellow flowers in the summer, which are followed by red or purple fruits.

Silver Cholla (Cylindropuntia Echinocarpa)

Silver Cholla is a shrubby columnar cactus that grows up to 8 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with silver spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Silver Cholla produces small, yellow flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by green fruits that turn red when ripe.

Cane Cholla (Cylindropuntia Imbricata)

Cane Cholla is a columnar cactus that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with small, white spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Cane Cholla produces small, yellow flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by green fruits that turn red when ripe.

Pencil Cactus (Cylindropuntia Leptocaulis)

Pencil Cactus is a shrubby columnar cactus that grows up to 10 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with small, white spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Pencil Cactus produces small, yellow flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by green fruits that turn red when ripe.

Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus Tetragonus)

Fairy Castle Cactus is a columnar cactus that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with small, white spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Fairy Castle Cactus produces small, white or pink flowers in the summer, which are followed by red or purple fruits.

Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus Thurberi)

Organ Pipe Cactus is a columnar cactus that can grow up to 25 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with small, white spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Organ Pipe Cactus produces large, white flowers in the summer, which are followed by red or purple fruits.

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris)

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus is a shrubby columnar cactus that grows up to 4 feet tall. It has flattened stems that are covered with small, pink spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus produces small, pink flowers in the spring, which are followed by red or purple fruits.

Ocotillo Cactus (Fouquieria Splendens)

Ocotillo Cactus is a shrubby columnar cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has long, thin stems that are covered with small, red spines. The stems are not segmented and can be green or brown in color. Ocotillo Cactus produces small, red flowers in the spring, which are followed by green fruits.

Key Tree Cactus (Pilosocereus Robinii)

Key Tree Cactus is a columnar cactus that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with small, white spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Key Tree Cactus produces large, white flowers in the summer, which are followed by red or purple fruits.

Night Blooming Cereus (Peniocereus Greggii)

Night Blooming Cereus is a columnar cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has cylindrical stems that are covered with small, white spines. The stems are segmented and can be green or blue-green in color. Night Blooming Cereus produces large, white flowers that bloom at night in

References

I have consulted several sources to gather information on columnar cactus types. Here are the references that I have used:

Anderson, E.F. (2001). The Cactus Family. Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Benson, L. (1982). The Cacti of the United States and Canada. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Hunt, D., Taylor, N., & Charles, G. (2006). The New Cactus Lexicon: Descriptions and Illustrations of the Cactus Family. Richmond, UK: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Nobel, P.S. (2002). Cacti: Biology and Uses. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

These sources provide comprehensive information on the taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and uses of various columnar cactus species. They also include detailed descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps for each species.

I have also consulted online resources such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plants Database, and the Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) to gather additional information on the conservation status, range, and habitat of various columnar cactus species.

Overall, these references have been valuable in providing a thorough understanding of the diversity and importance of columnar cacti in various ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common types of columnar cacti?

Some common types of columnar cacti include the Saguaro Cactus, Organ Pipe Cactus, Mexican Giant Cardon Cactus, and San Pedro Cactus.

How do you care for columnar cacti?

Columnar cacti require well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and occasional watering. It’s important not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot. They also benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season.

What is the scientific name for columnar cacti?

The scientific name for columnar cacti is Cactaceae.

What are some fast-growing columnar cacti?

Some fast-growing columnar cacti include the Saguaro Cactus, Mexican Giant Cardon Cactus, and San Pedro Cactus.

What are some cold hardy columnar cacti?

Some cold hardy columnar cacti include the Organ Pipe Cactus, Argentine Saguaro Cactus, and Golden Barrel Cactus.

What are some unique features of the Organ Pipe Cactus?

The Organ Pipe Cactus is unique in that it has multiple stems and can grow up to 20 feet tall. It also produces beautiful, white flowers that bloom in the summer months.

Related Posts:

Discovering the Fascinating World of Columnar Cactus Types: A Professional Guide