The various species of F. acanthodes are spread across central and western Arizona, southeastern California and southwards into Baja California and Sonora, Mexico. The specied is limited in its northwards range by frost conditions. To minimized the damage by frost the plant is found on south facing slopes and it leans to the south to protect the sensitive growing tip by placing it for best exposure to the sun. The higher shading percentages than F. wislizenii or F. Covellei allow it further northward range and higher elevations. The centrals are conspicuously annularly ridged and flattened with a flat upper surface and rounded lower surface.
Spines can be very light gray to red and yellow but darken to black with age.
Mohave, Coconino, Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, and Yuma Co., Arizona. Riverside, San Diego and northeast Imperial Co., California. I may grant usage for educational purposes. I will also consider commercial sales. Please send requests by e-mail .