This perennial cactus forms clumps of erect cylindrical branched stems up to 125 mm (5in) thick with up to 17 warty ribs and covered in grey-white hairs. It has reddish brown spines and the purplish tube-shaped diurnal flowers appear in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Oreocereus celsianusis naturally found in South America growing in the Andes in well drained stony moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soils. It prefers an open sunny position and tolerates drought and high temperatures, frost tender.

The Old Man of the Mountains cactus is grown for its hairy appearance and upright habitthat normally branches from the base. It is planted in cactus or arid gardens as a specimen or in containers. It establishes from division in 3 to 5 years and is suitable for inland or mountainous regions. It is also used as a house plant requiring bright light.ID 1916

The plant also has other syn. names Brozicactus celsianus and Pilocereus celsianus

Oreocereus(or-ee-o-SER-ee-us) celsianus (sel-see-A-nus)

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)