This cactus has a somewhat oval, flattened spherical, or short cylindrical shape, a green color, and a waxy texture.

The spines may be straight, angled, or hooked, and are straw or brownish in color with purple or red highlights.

[3] This plant grows on the clay badlands of the Pariette Draw, where the soil is quite saline and alkaline.

Other plants in the area include Sclerocactus wetlandicus, the other species that was separated from S.

[6] Threats to the species include damage to the habitat during hydrocarbon exploration, poaching, and genetic swamping from the related and more common S.