Ferocactus robustus forms large cushions reaching a height up to 100 centimetres (39 in) and a diameter up to 5 metres (16 ft).

This plant is spherical to club-shaped and has eight sharp-edged tuberous ribs with a diameter of 8 to 16 centimeters.

[2] Ferocactus robustus is widespread in the states of Puebla and Veracruz in Mexico at elevations of 700 -1000 meters.

Initially described as Echinocactus robustus in 1837 by Ludwig Georg Karl Pfeiffer, it was later classified under the genus Ferocactus by Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose in 1922.

[3] The species epithet 'robustus' is Latin for 'strong,' 'rough,' or 'firm,' referring to its robust appearance.