This variable globose to cylindrical greyish-white cactus is up to 200 mm (7¾ in) wide with 14-30 ribs that are armed with short black spines. It is solitary or forms a clump and produces bright yellow funnel-shape diurnal flowers during late summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11 

Copiapoa cinerea is naturally found in northern Chile slowly growing on very dry rocky coastal slopes from sea level to an altitude of 500 m (1,550 ft). It relies on moisture from coastal fog as rainfall is very rare and grows in sharply drained sandy-stony soils that are poor to moderately fertile. 

It prefers an open to exposed position with summer protection from directs sun through coastal fog and is drought tolerant but cold and frost tender.

This barrel cactus is grown for its black spines and yellow flowers. It is planted in small or arid gardens and as a potted specimen plant and placed under glass in cold climates. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in 5-7 years and is long lived.  This plant is commonly cultivated as an indoor plant requiring a bright sunny position. ID 3264

Copiapoa (koh-pee-uh-POH-uh) cinerea (sin-EH-ree-ah)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)