Form: Open, vase-shaped clump.
Seasonality: Cold & drought deciduous.
Size: 5-25 ft, spread to 15 ft; giant specimens >30 ft. are known; slow growth rate.
Leaves: In axils of thorns; simple, in clusters. Round, to 1” long, bright green; plant leafs out in spring in years with good rainfall-leaves will persist, turning showy colors of yellow & red in the spring.
Flowers: On branch terminals, spiky clumps of tubular red-orange flowers; clusters can be up to 1 ft long.
Stems & Trunk: Long, slender stems rise from a common base; stems covered with 1” thorns which are gray or sometimes greenish.
Range/Origin: SW US, Baja California, Sonora, Mexico; elevations to 5000 ft.
Hardiness: To 10° F

Exposure: Full sun, reflected heat.
Water: None; do not over water.
Soil: Poor soil tolerant; good drainage. Good planted on hills to preclude over watering.
Propagation: Bare root plant salvaged from nature.
Maintenance: Minimal; shearing permanently destroys the plant.

Recommended transplanting procedure: Transplant all year. Dig hole 2 ft by 2 ft only. Fill with sand. Plant directly into sand. Stabilize with rocks around base until established. Water in only to settle-DO NOT PUT ON IRRIGATION.