This unusual cactus is relatively uncommon in the Four Corners area and is so small that it easily escapes notice. Typically the plant grows to only 2 or 3 inches tall, including the half of the plant body that is below ground level. Flowers are followed by green seeds that mature into bright red berries the year after the flower blossoms. Missouri Pincushion prefers prairie and desert grasslands and is abundant in some areas of the West.