The cactus occurs in at least seven locations in Texas, several being within the bounds of Big Bend National Park.

The areoles bear curving spines, the central one thick, dark, and up to 4.3 centimeters in length.

The showy flower occurs at the apex of the cactus body and measures up to 6.5 centimeters long.

The rounded fruit is pale to dark green, fleshy and juicy and 1 or 2 centimeters long.

[4] The cactus occurs in desert scrub habitat, generally in dry, rocky, barely accessible areas where few other plants grow.