Low mound of spiny, flat, nearly oval joints has bright yellow or sometimes bright magenta flowers 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) wide. Spines: 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) long, 6-10 per cluster, mostly bent down. Height: 3-6 in (7.5-15 cm), with clumps of stems 1-10 ft (0.3-3 m) wide.
Open areas on plains, in deserts, and among piñon and juniper.
Southern British Columbia to eastern Oregon and northern Arizona; east to western Texas, Missouri, and central Canada.
