Shrubs, densely branched, to 1.2 m. Stem segments 10-20 cm; tubercles close set. Spines and sheaths silvery. 2n = 22.

Flowering spring (Apr). Chi-huahuan desert scrub with lechuguilla and sotol, rocky limestone slopes, flats, ridges; of conservation concern; 600-700 m; Tex.

Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea is a narrow endemic within the Big Bend region, Texas.