Spiny, offsetting barrel cactus with stems from 4-8 inches in diameter. Clumps may reach 12 to 20 or more heads on old plants in nature. They have 13-21 ribs; 4 spreading central spines, lowest one curving downward; and 6-8 spreading radial spines, which may be difficult to distinguish from the centrals. The spines have traditional uses. Flowers are yellow or yellow with pink midribs. From the southwestern US (CA, NV, UT, AZ) and northwestern Sonora, Mexico. Probably closest to E. parryi, a usually solitary plant.

Slow growing in cultivation and late to offset. Provide strong light and excellent drainage. Do not overwater.

The two subspecies (whose existence is apparently controversial) are Echinocactus polycephalus subsp. polycephalus (widespread, spines covered with very fine hairs, large clumps, lower elevation habitat) and Biznaga de Chilitos (Echinocactus polycephalus subsp. xeranthemoides) (spines without hairs, smaller clumps, higher elevation habitat from 3300-4900 feet).

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