Tasajillo

is an cylindrical evergreen Opuntia that is native from Arizona to Texas and southwest Oklahoma and as far south as northern Mexico. In nature, the plants can reach up to 5 feet (1.5m) tall with a 3 foot (1 m) spread. The cylindrical stems are 3/16 inches (~5 mm) thick; joints are anywhere from 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) long, becoming very woody with age. Spines are slender and usually one per areole, with lengths reaching from 0.75 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) long. In early spring, the new growth has numerous small deciduous leaves.