What is a jumping cholla cactus?

A jumping cholla cactus, commonly called the teddy-bear cactus, has teddy-bear-like arms covering the plant. When the plant is touched or brushed against, these arms will "jump" onto whatever touched it.

The jumping cholla cactus grows 3 to 7 feet tall. The arms of the plant are 10 inches long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter with 1 inch spines. The greenish-yellow flowers bloom from February to May.

Jumping cholla cacti propagate when the arms fall to the ground and take root. When animals brush up against the plant, these arms "hitchhike" on the animals' coats and are carried to a new location where they come off and take root.