Echinocereus stramineus is a low-elevation mound-forming species that is widely distributed in the southwestern US and northern Mexico, particularly in the Chihuahuan Desert. It is hardy to cold and extreme heat and is a landscape plant in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The cylindrical stems are light green in color and covered with dense white spines. The flowers are large and lavender purple. These plants are rooted offsets in 8-inch pots.