There are eight to twelve deeply notched ribs, which are conspicuously grooved transversely above the areoles.

The areoles on them are covered with dark wool - occasionally orange in the new shoots - and are up to 1.5 centimeters apart.

The 15 to 25 unequal, thin-shaped marginal spines are darker and turn gray with age.

[2] Leucostele deserticola is widespread in the Chilean regions of Antofagasta and Atacama on the hills of the Cordillera de la Costa up to altitudes of 1000 meters.

The specific epithet deserticola is derived from the Latin words desertus for 'desert' and -cola for 'dwelling' and refers to its occurrence in very dry areas.