Wolf's Cholla, Cylindropuntia wolfii

Closeup photo of the red flowers of a Wolf's Cholla
The Red Flowers of Wolf's Cholla

Wolf's Cholla can be found in southern Anza-Borrego from the Mountain Springs exit to Interstate-8 eastward to Dos Cabezas and County Road S-2 between Ocotillo and the entrance to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Look for Cholla with stems that grow in large clumps with branches in every direction. You'll notice it is especially wild-looking, quite unlike any other in Anza-Borrego.

From March through May, the flower color may vary from a beautiful red to deep maroon to bronze to yellow. A distinguishing characteristic are the red filaments in the center of the flower.

Photo of Wolf's Cholla with green branches and red flowers
Wolf's Cholla