The “gray ghost” part of this plant’s name refers to its dusty gray-green color; the “organ pipe” moniker refers to the look of the mature wild plant: the tall, vertical, uniform columns of closely bunched trunks are reminiscent of a medieval church organ. In the wilds of Mexico, this cactus can grow up to 16 feet (4.9 m) tall. This small household yarn version is five inches tall with spines of cotton embroidery floss. His expression and long needles seem to say, “Don’t touch me!”--but what he really needs is a hug.