Mason Valley Cholla

Mason Valley cholla, Cylindropuntia 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 C. ganderi.