Echinocactus grusonii belongs to the small genus Echinocactus, which together with the related genus Ferocactus, are commonly referred to as barrel cacti.

Growing as a large roughly spherical globe, Echinocactus grusonii may eventually reach over 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height after many years. Younger Golden Barrel plants do not look similar to mature specimens. The generation lifetime is estimated to be 30 years.

There may be up to 35 pronounced ribs in mature plants, though they are not evident in young plants, which may have a knobbly appearance. The sharp spines are long, straight or slightly curved, and various shades of yellow or, occasionally, white.

Small yellow flowers appear in summer around the crown of the plant, but only after twenty years or so.

It is one of the most popular cacti in cultivation and has increasingly become popular as an architectural accent plant in contemporary garden designs.[citation needed]

The cactus is considered easy and relatively fast growing in warmer climates around the world. The plants do have some basic requirements; an average minimum winter temperature of 12 °C (53.6 °F); and good drainage with less watering in winter. Excess water in cool periods may lead to rot. Golden Barrels are hardy to about 15 °F (−8 °C) for brief periods.