Echinocereus dasyacanthus is a cactus with a single stem or 2 to 3 basal branches. The stems is up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide and usually has 15 to 18 ribs. The spines usually overlap making the stem not visible. The basic coloration of the spines are tan to yellow to pink. The flowering season is between the months of March and May. The large flower of the plant grow at the sides of the stem above the areoles close to the stem apex. The flowers are usually bright yellow with a green throat and up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and wide. The fruit are globose to ellipsoid, darker purple, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) wide.