Cylindropuntia imbricata is a tree-like cactus, up to 10 feet (3 m) tall, with a short, woody trunk and a number of upright candelabra-like branches. It has fairly, short, white or light brown spines, 10 to 30 per areole, that allow the green stem color, purplish in times of cold weather, to be clearly visible. The attractive, violet flowers are followed by knobbly, orange fruits that stay attached to the plant for many months.