You can easily identify a Columnar cactus from other types due to its cylindrical appearance, but various types of Columnar cactus identification may be difficult. They belong to several cacti genera such as Cylindropuntia, Stenocereus, Opuntia, Fouquieria, etc.
To identify a Columnar cactus, you can search its picture among a gallery of cylindrical cacti or let a plant identifier do it for you. Here, I provided an almost comprehensive collection of Columnar cacti images and names. I also introduce one of the best free online tools that will help you with your Columnar cactus identification.
Columnar cacti are beautiful plants that can be indoor or outdoor plants. These strong, gorgeous plants bring a beautiful desert landscape to your house or garden. Keep reading to find your popular columnar cacti.
Types of Columnar Cactus
Before diving into Columnar cactus identification, I think you should get familiar with two common terms in the world of Columnar cactus:
- “Arborescent” type Columnar cactus
- “Shrubby” type Columnar cactus
Columnar cacti, as maintained in the name, are upright, cylindrical cacti, but are divided based on their branching type to the two above groups.
Some cylindrical cacti are arborescent”. They are similar to a tree as they have a tall main stem and the arms grow from the main stem like branches.
A “shrubby” type of cactus is similar to a bush. It has several arms that are developed from near its base.
Now, let’s dive into Columnar cactus identification.
Tall Columnar Cactus Identification
1. Blue Myrtle Cactus
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 15 feet (4 meters) tall.
Specifications:
- Its colour is bluish silver.
- It has Sharp white spines.
2. Baseball Bat Cactus
Type: Arborescent Columnar
The height: it is a slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 40 feet (12 meters) in height. So, if you are interested in tall succulents, Baseball Bat Cactus can be a perfect option for your indoor decor.
Specifications:
- Its shape is similar to a baseball bat.
- It has long, sharp spines that can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm).
- Its flowering is in winter
3. Saguaro
Type: Arborescent Columnar
The height it is around 50 feet (15 meters) tall.
Specifications:
- Some of them have more than 25 arms.
4.Mexican Organ Pipe (Dagger Cactus)
Type: Arborescent Columnar
The height: it can be around 30 feet (9 meters) tall.
Specifications:
- Mexican Organ Pipe is a tree-like cactus.
- It has long, stiff white spines.
- Its flowering is in spring.
- Its purple and white flowers are trumpet-shaped.
5. Silver Cholla
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall.
Specifications:
- It is a woody cactus.
- It has long yellow spines.
6. Pencil Cactus (Pencil Cholla)
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 6 feet (180 cm).
Specifications:
- The has a lot of pencil-shaped branches.
- Its flowering is in winter
- It has round, red, edible fruits that are similar to berries.
7. Old Man Cactus
Type: Arborescent Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 33 feet (10 meters) tall.
Specifications:
- Because of its white wool, it is similar to an old man with a white beard.
- Its flowering is in summer
- The flowers are red or orange
- The flowers appear at night.
Due to its stunning appearance, the Old Man cactus is one of the popular indoor plants.
8. Buckhorn Cholla
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 45 feet (14 meters) tall.
Specifications:
- The spins are sharp and bristly
- Its flowering is in spring
- Its bright yellow flowers are cup-shaped
9. Key Tree Cactus
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 33 feet (1 meter) tall.
Specifications:
- Its flowers are white, green, or purple
- The flowers’ smell is similar to garlic
10. San Pedro Cactus
Type: Arborescent Columnar
The height: it is a fast-growing cactus that can reach up to 10 – 20 feet (3 – 6 meters) in height
Specifications:
- The thick and sharp spins on its truck.
- Flowers for only two days in spring.
It is one of the popular outdoor flowering cacti that you can add to your landscape.
11. Cane Cholla
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 240 cm.
Specifications:
- It is a woody cactus
- Its flowering is in spring
- Its magenta blossoms are large and round
12. Organ Pipe Cactus
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 26 feet (8 meters) tall.
Specifications:
- Its flowering is at night.
- The bright yellow flowers are large and round
13. Snow White Prickly Pear
Type: Arborescent Columnar
The height: It can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall
Specifications:
- Its appearance is fuzzy.
- It has soft white hair.
14. Night Blooming Cereus
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it can reach up to 6 feet (180 cm).
Specifications:
- Its flowering is in late spring or early summer
- Its white flowers are very fragrant.
- The flowers appear at night
15. Fairy Castle Cactus
Type: Shrubby Columnar
The height: it is a very slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 6 feet (180 cm) tall.
Specifications:
- The shape of this cactus reminds a Medieval castle with its densely clustered towers.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you are now familiar with 18 Common columnar cacti by their images and specifications. Some of them were shrubby, and others were arboreal. Did you find your popular columnar cactus among the above list? What was its name? Did you experience the “plant identifiers” to identify your plant? Please share your experience below this page.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.