Gives tropical effect if it is mixed with aloe species. Slow growing to 6 feet, usually much less. Up to 2 feet in diameter. Single, massive and cylindrical stem, with 20 to 28 ribs. Occasionally multiple heads will occur near the base of the main plant.
Spines grayish to reddish, in dense clusters along ribs.
Large, sharply hooked, flattened central spine to 2 inches long, surrounded by slender hairlike spines. Drawn toward direct sunlight. Instead of water, cactus is filled with slimy alkaline juice. Yellow fruits persist all year, and are eaten by deer and rodents. Flowers attract bees.