[4] It formerly was considered to have a larger range due to the inclusion of Cylindropuntia bernardina within it as the variety parkeri.

[5] A short, sprawling cactus, this species is typically found growing less than 1.5 m (4.9 ft) high.

[3] This species was first detailed by English botanist Thomas Nuttall, who arrived in San Diego in May 1836 by ship.

He noted the small yellow flowers, numerous clusters of long and short spines, and arid habitat.

The list below follows the treatment in the Jepson eFlora and the 2016 Annotated Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Baja California, Mexico produced by the San Diego Natural History Museum.