This is a winter hardy, clump-forming cactus with round-to-oval, flattened, succulent green pads. They are not leaves but swollen water-storing stem segments that have a few needle-like spines and are covered with numerous tufts of bristles. In June and July, showy, bright yellow flowers bloom, about two to three inches in width, with a reddish eye. In late summer, edible, pulpy fruits ripen and are used for candies and jams.