Trees or sometimes shrubs, with few branches, usually at acute angles. Stem segments ± yellowish green, 10–30 cm; tubercles salient, elongate, (1.5–)2–3 cm. Spines 18–30+ per areole, yellow to light brown, aging dark gray, baggy sheathed; major abaxial spines deflexed to divergent. Flowers: inner tepals bright yellow. Fruits densely spiny; areoles 16–30. 2n = 22.

Phenology: Flowering spring–early summer (Mar–Jun).
Habitat: Sonoran and Mojave deserts, edges of juniper woodlands, sandy flats, rocky slopes
Elevation: 400-1200 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Ariz., Calif., Nev., Utah, Mexico (Sonora).

Discussion

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.