Name: Suzanne/Sue Sebastopol, CA (Zone 9a) Sunset Zone 15
It's been years since I took my own picture at Annie's (below) and I don't remember if they were soft thorns or not but it was sure an interesting plant! I haven't seen it in a while.
Maybe a trip to Annie's this spring is in order. I would love to see it in person. I wonder if they will be offering it this spring? I guess I need to check the website, but that is such a dangerous thing to do.