The spherical to short cylindrical shoots are pale gray-green epidermis and have a diameter of 3 to 4 centimeters.

The dull red, dry fruits when ripe are spherical to slightly elongated and have a persistent flower remnant.

[2] Cochemiea macdougallii is common in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where it grows on limestone cliffs.

The species was found in the winter of 1951/52 by Thomas Baillie MacDougall (1895–1973) near the village of San José Lachiguirí.

[3] The specific epithet macdougallii honors Thomas Baillie MacDougall (1895–1973), the discoverer of the species.