The Whipple Cholla is a dense and low to the ground cactus. They are found in the southwest desert areas. Because they are frost tolerant, you may see them  above 8000′ feet in elevation. Cholla’s have multiple stems that are slender. This cholla has pale whitish spines and yellow blooming flowers from  April to June. They are used for food by the Zuni’s by removing the spines from the fruit and drying, then they grind and use as flour, at times with corn meal to make a mush-like meal. Also, the fruit can be eaten raw or stewed.