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Mason Valley Cholla, Cylindropuntia ×fosbergii

Cylindropuntia xfosbergii is also called Hoffman's Cholla

Photo of Cylindropuntia xfosbergii with backlit spines
Mason Valley Cholla, Cylindropuntia xfosbergii

Mason Valley Cholla, Cylinropuntia ×fosbergii, is the tallest cactus in Anza-Borrego, sometimes reaching a height of over 7 feet. Look for it along Highway S-2 between Mason Valley and Bow Willow.

If you look closely at the tips of the stems, you will notice they are pink, setting the plant apart from C. bigelovii which sometimes grows to an equal height. The inner parts of the flower are similar to those of Cylindropuntia ganderi.

Photo of the cream-colored flower of a Cylindropuntia Xfosbergii which has green center parts
Mason Valley Cholla, Cylindropuntia xfosbergii