Check the best Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties. Explore their unique features and growth patterns in this comprehensive guide.
If you like tall cacti, then you are in for a treat! Here are some of the best Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties you can grow!
Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties
1. Saguaro
Botanical Name: Carnegiea gigantea
The Saguaro stands tall, reaching remarkable heights of up to 50 feet (15 meters).
2. Baseball Bat Cactus
Botanical Name: Neoraimondia herzogiana
The Baseball Bat Cactus derives its name from its distinctive appearance. Its singular columnar stem starts off slender at the base.
3. Joshua Tree
Botanical Name: Yucca brevifolia
The Joshua Tree has a single sturdy trunk, it stands tall and can reach heights of up to 45 feet (14 meters).
4. Snow White Prickly Pear
Botanical Name: Opuntia erinacea ursine
The Snow White Prickly Pear displays elongated pads with fine white hairs.
5. Old Man Cactus
Botanical Name: Cephalocereus senilis
The Old Man Cactus, native to Central Mexico, is a distinctive cactus known for its hairy appearance, resembling an old man’s beard, thanks to its thick layer of fine white hair.
6. San Pedro Cactus
Botanical Name: Echinopsis pachanoi
The San Pedro Cactus features vertical ribs adorned with sturdy and pointed spines.
7. Mexican Organ Pipe
Botanical Name: Stenocereus griseus
The Mexican Organ Pipe is a tall, tree-like cactus native to the Caribbean and South America. It grows up to 30 feet (9 meters) in height, featuring long white spines.
8. Blue Myrtle Cactus
Botanical Name: Myrtillocactus geometrizans
The Blue Myrtle Cactus derives its name from its bluish-silver hue, which sets it apart. This variety reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet.
9. Buckhorn Cholla
Botanical Name: Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa
The Cholla cactus is an exemplary shrubby columnar cactus. Its columnar tubercules branch out reminiscent of antlers, adding to its unique and captivating appearance.
10. Organ Pipe Cactus
Botanical Name: Stenocereus thurberi
Native to the Sonoran Desert, the Organ Pipe Cactus can reach impressive heights of 16 to 26 feet.
11. Fairy Castle Cactus
Botanical Name: Acanthocereus tetragonus
The Fairy Castle Cactus is named for its unique resemblance to the clustered towers of a Medieval castle. It features asymmetrical tubercules that grow at various angles.
12. Cane Cholla
Botanical Name: Cylindropuntia imbricata
This shrubby and woody cactus stands tall, displaying a more upright growth habit compared to certain other cholla species.
13. Night Blooming Cereus
Botanical Name: Peniocereus greggii
The Night-Blooming Cactus is a type of columnar cactus variety that displays stunning, fragrant white flowers that blossom during the nighttime in late spring and early summer.
14. Key Tree Cactus
Botanical Name: Pilosocereus robinii
The Key Tree Cactus, native to the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, is a shrub-like cactus that can reach impressive heights of up to 30-35 feet.
15. Ocotillo Cactus
Botanical Name: Fouquieria splendens
The Ocotillo Cactus is highly valued for its beautiful clusters of red flowers adorning the tips of its stems. These cacti can grow as tall as 20 -25 feet.
Check 17 Beautiful Cactus With Pink Flowers here
16. Silver Torch
Botanical Name: Cleistocactus strausii
With their unique and hairy appearance, the Silver Torch cacti are fast-growing wonders that captivate the observer. These cacti reach heights of 6 to 8 feet.
17. Totem
Botanical Name: Pachycereus schottii f. monstrous
Totem cacti can reach heights of 10 to 12 feet. Typically, they stand at 3 to 6 feet tall. It flowers with light pink, night-blooming blossoms and may produce red, egg-shaped fruit.
18. Mexican Fencepost
Botanical Name: Pachycereus marginatus
Last on the list of types of columnar cactus varieties is the Mexican fencepost. These low-maintenance, slow-growing cacti can reach up to 20 feet tall.
