It also occurs in nearby Mexico from the Rio Grande to as far south as Guanajuato and northern Hidalgo.

The plants are variable in size but can form shrubby trees from 1 to 2 m tall.

Cladodes are 15 to 20 cm long and may be broadly elliptical, obovate, ovate, or most often circular.

The flowers are a rich, canary yellow (rarely orange or red) and have a prominent green stigma.

It is moderately cold and hardy and is used in cactus gardens as far north as New Mexico, Oklahoma, and northern Virginia.