Solitary or prolifically clumping barrel cactus from north-central Mexico. Stems may grow to 6-10 feet tall and up to about 20 inches wide, with 13-20 sharp ribs. Spines may be bright red (among the reddest in the genus), yellow, or mixed. There are 6-12 central spines and numerous radial spines which are more like bristles or thick hairs (sometimes none). The presence and number of bristles may be variable even among sister seedlings. Presumably they are the basis for the species name. Flowers are red or yellow and oriented upward. Fruit is yellow.

A Chihuahuan Desert endemic. Widespread, common, and variable in habitat. Very ornamental and particularly spectacular in old age.

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