Central branches are erect, and others horizontal or semi-erect. Grows as tall as 6 feet. Round areoles are white with yellow glochids, and bear many ferocious spines. Since the spines completely cover the plant, it appears to be a pale golden color. Flowers appear on the tips of the stems at the top of the plant.
Fruit is yellow and pear-shaped.
The fruit persists throughout the winter, and is hidden by the densely-spined branches. May be grown outdoors in mild climates. Propagation is by cutting. Even the fruit will rot from its tubercles and produce new plants. The topmost joints detach so easily they seem almost to jump out at you.