Echinocereus russanthus is heavily covered with a mass of slender, interlocking, bristle-like spines radiating in all directions. It grows to 10 inches tall and 2-3 inches in diameter. The stems often branch and form clusters, some having as many as a dozen. Each has 13-18 ribs. Flowers are rust-red with darker lines, about 1 inch long and 1 inch across.