The misshapen joints are easily removed and root readily. With age they develop an irregular crown and a woody, blackened trunk. Mature size can be 10 feet high and 8 feet wide. Branches are fleshy and have prominent tubercles that bear small areoles at their apex. Areoles are covered with short white or yellowish glochids, bearing up to 10 spines each.
Spines are yellow or brownish, enclosed in white papery sheath.
Flowers are about 1 inch across with a few red or light red petals, and bloom June to August. The green fruit is pear-shaped, two inches long. Tolerates cold well if it is dry, but needs warmth and sun in summer. Propagation is by cuttings. Even the fallen fruits put down roots from their tubercles.