18 Best Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties

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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!

Find 8 Types of Pereskiopsis Cactus Varieties here 


Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties

1. Saguaro

Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties 1

Botanical Name: Carnegiea gigantea

First, on the list of types of columnar cactus varieties, the Saguaro stands tall, reaching remarkable heights of up to 50 feet (15 meters).

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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

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Botanical Name: Yucca brevifolia

The Joshua Tree, characterized by its single sturdy trunk, 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 is the next on the list of types of columnar cactus varieties; this one stands out with its elongated pads having fine white hairs.

Here is How to Grow Prickly Pears

5. Old Man Cactus

Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties 5
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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 white fine hair.

6. San Pedro Cactus

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Botanical Name: Echinopsis pachanoi

The San Pedro Cactus, is another type of columnar cactus varieties that features vertical ribs adorned with sturdy and pointed spines.

7. Mexican Organ Pipe

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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.

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8. Blue Myrtle Cactus

Botanical Name: Myrtillocactus geometrizans

The Blue Myrtle Cactus derives its name from its captivating bluish-silver hue, which sets it apart. This type of columnar cactus variety reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet.

9. Buckhorn Cholla

Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties 9

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

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Botanical Name: Stenocereus thurberi

Native to the Sonoran Desert, the Organ Pipe Cactus is next on the list of types of columnar cactus varieties that can reach impressive heights of 16 to 26 feet.

11. Fairy Castle Cactus

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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.

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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

Types of Columnar Cactus Varieties 13
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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