Flowers are borne at the upper half to one third of the stem and are funnelform in shape, up to 3.5 inches (8.9 centimetres) long with dark-green stigmas.

Radial spines are short and needlelike, up to 0.8 inches (2.0 centimetres) long, white, and arranged in a neat rosette.

Central spines number 2 to 7 and are stout, usually twisted and angular, up to 3 inches (7.6 centimetres) long and variable in color: bright yellow, dark brown, grey, and white.

[3] This species is located within the genus Echinocereus and is taxonomically closest to E. bonkerae Thornber & Bonker, E. dasyacanthus Engelm., E. fasciculatus (Engelm.

These species share the common traits of thick base tepals (>2mm), wide receptacular tubes, and dark coloring of the flower throat.

In pot culture, this species requires well aerated gritty substrate and a hot and sunny location in the summer.