Cylindropuntia arbuscula  Pencil Cholla
CACTUS.  A very densely-branched cholla with smooth stems (no tubercles), unusually large, widely spaced areoles, and sparse long yellow central spines.  Stems are 1-1.5 cm thick.  Flowers are greenish yellow with bronze stripes, blooming in May-June.  Fruits usually remain green.  In the Empires, uncommon along large sandy washes, usually with filtered or partial shade under mesquites etc.
FAMILY:  Cactaceae  (Cactus Family)