Description: Long-lived cactus, low shrub or mat forming, to 50 cm (20 in.) tall. Stems irregular, short, stout, with thick spiny joints. Covered with dense tan to yellow-pink spine clusters. Flowers greenish-yellow, developing into somewhat fleshy, more-or-less spineless yellow fruit. Time of flowering: May.
Habitat: Restricted to dry limestone hills, underlain by gypsum. This variety is known to occur mostly on north-facing slopes and on exposed ridges. It is part of a distinctive and unusual plant community of succulents, characterized by a wide diversity of cactus, yucca, and agave species. Elevations: 1,080 - 1,430 m (3,300 - 4,700 ft).
Range: This species was thought to be endemic to the Blue Diamond Hills of the Spring Mountains, Clark County, Nevada. Current inventory efforts and taxonomic studies may reveal a range extension in the future.
Comments: Can be distinguished from other varieties by its dense tan to yellow-pink spine clusters, which are much more whitish than other chollas.
Special Remarks: This rare variety is a State of Nevada Critically Endangered Species.