Cleistocactus morawetzianus grows shrubby to almost tree-like with richly branched, grey-green shoots and reaches heights of up to 2 meters with a diameter of up to 5 centimeters.

The spines, thickened at the base, are initially golden yellow, later becoming greyish with a darker tip.

The flowers are erect, straight or slightly curved above the pericarpel and directed downwards, are white or have a light greenish or somewhat pinkish hue.

[1] Cleistocactus morawetzianus is widespread in the Peruvian regions of Junín, Huancavelica, Ayacucho and Apurímac at altitudes of 2000 to 2500 meters.

The specific epithet morawetzianus honors Victor Morawetz from New York, a patron of Curt Backeberg.