PlantFiles: California Barrel Cactus, Compass Barrel Cactus
Ferocactus cylindraceus

The International Cactaceae Systematics Group (ICSG) lists in the 2001 book, 'The Cactus Family' by Anderson, that Ferocactus acanthodes to be a synonym of Ferocactus cylindraceus.
Other common names are: Biznaga, California Barrel Cactus, Cliff Barrel Cactus, Compass Cactus, Desert Barrel Cactus, Golden-spined Barrel Cactus & Spiney Barrel Cactus.
The flowers on all subspecies are yellow occasionally with a red tint.
The subspecies 'cylindraceus' can grow up to 10 ft tall. The spines are yellow, red & brown & twisted, some more than others.
The subspecies 'lecontei' has central spines that are not twisted and Never hooked which often lay closer to the body.
The subspecies 'tortulispinus' is much shorter and the gray spines are twisted.

I've seen this growing in the wild in the Phoenix surrounding desert, and on the 'El Camino Del Diablo Trail' (Devils' Highway) that runs between Ajo and Wellton in Arizona in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.

This cactus is now under the new name Ferocactus cylindraceus and can still be found under F. acanthodes. Can be 15" across and up to 6' tall. Tend to lean south as it ages hence the common name 'compass barrel'. Another common name is 'fire barrel' due to it's red spines, which actually ranges from tan to bright red in color. Grown wild here in southern Nevada. It is a protected plant and it is illegal to obtain wild plants without permits.

Very pretty cactus as youngster- lots of color in the spines. Eventually (in maybe a hundred years or so) grows up to 8' tall. Native of most western states. Needs full sun and careful not to overwater. Can rot easily. This species is highly variable and has numerous synonyms, as mentioned below.