Wolf's Cholla

Wolf’s cholla is abundant in southern Anza-Borrego in such areas as Dos Cabezas and Table Mountain. It can be found along County Road S-2 from the Volcanic Hills to Ocotillo and beside Interstate 8 at Mountain Springs. Look for cholla with stems that grow in large clumps with branches in every direction. You’ll notice it is especially wild-looking, quite unlike any other in Anza-Borrego.

From March through May, the flower color may vary from a beautiful red to deep maroon to bronze to yellow. A distinguishing characteristic are the red filaments in the center of the flower.