Opuntia echinocarpa Engelmann & J. M. Bigelow var. parkeri J. M. Coulter, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 3: 446. 1896; O. bernardina Engelmann ex Parish; O. californica (Torrey & A. Gray) Coville var. parkeri (J. M. Coulter) Pinkava; O. parryi Engelmann

Shrubs, suberect to erect, to 1.5 m. Stem segments bearing elliptic tubercles usually 1.5-3 cm. Spines commonly with 1(-3) central spines much longer. 2n = 22.

Flowering spring (Apr-Jul). Chaparral, oak scrub, juniper woodlands, grassy rolling hills, plains; 200-1900 m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).