Widely distributed barrel cactus from the SW United States and NW Mexico. Usually solitary, sometimes branching. Up to 10 feet high (rarely) and 20 inches wide. 20-30 ribs. Variable spines (red, yellow, white, gray, brown) which are sometimes curved or hooked. 15-25 radial spines, often relatively thin, may be useful to distinguish this plant. Yellow flowers (sometimes tinged with red) and yellow, fleshy fruit. Found in southern California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, northern Baja California, and Sonora. Subspecies may be distinguished based on place of origin, height, whether the central spines are twisted, and what color they are.

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