| General Description | A small tree, given its common name of Teddy-bear Cholla from its cuddly and fuzzy appearance, however it is a very densely spined plant. |
| Leaf Description | Short branches densely packed and obscured with pinkish-tan or reddish-brown spines, spines turn black with maturity. Spines are 6-10 per areole, straight and spread in all directions, 1.5-2.5 cm in length. |
| Flower Description | Light green or yellow flowers streaked with lavender, 2.4-4 cm in diameter, green filaments, 6 mm long and 5 thick stigmas, 3 mm in length. |
| Fruit Description | Yellow or greenish-yellow, fleshy, tuberculate, 2 x 0.9 cm. |