[4] It is also reported from northern Mexico in the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Durango, Tamaulipas, and San Luís Potosí.,[5][6][7] though all Arizona and Mexican records should be considered with caution due to confusion with other similar species.

The species prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, mostly in grassland areas.

It is one of the shorter species of the genus, rarely over 30 cm (1 foot) tall, spreading horizontally and forming wide clumps.

Flowers are showy and bright yellow, often with red markings near the base of the petals.

None are accepted by Plants of the World Online as of October 2022[update],[3] which treats Opuntia macrorhiza subsp.