Cleistocactus pungens grows as a shrub with spreading shoots and reaches heights of 1 to 1.5 meters with diameters of 3 to 4 centimeters.

The straight, needle-like, stiff, protruding thorns are initially dark reddish brown and later gray.

The horizontally protruding, purple-colored flowers are slightly curved downwards above the pericarpel.

[1] Cleistocactus pungens is widespread in the Peruvian regions of Ayacucho and Apurímac at altitudes of 1500 to 2000 meters.

[2] The specific epithet pungens comes from Latin, means 'stinging' and refers to the thorns of the species.