Protologue Description: E. atropurpureum n. sp., a E. nigro recedit ramulis prostratis junioribus albido-tomentosis; foliis junioribus tomentosis vel archnoideis primo adscendentibus deinde laxe patentibus haud vel rare reflexis, eis ramulorum vegetarum laminis (4-) 4.5-6.5 mm. longis; baccis 5-9 mm. diametro rubris vel atropurpureis opacis; seminibus 2-4 mm. longis.

Differing from E. nigrum in its trailing branchlets white tomentose at least when young: leaves tomentose or archnoid when young, at first ascending, finally loosely spreading, not at all or rarely reflexed; those of the leading shoots with blades (4-) 4.5-6.5 mm. long: berrie4s 5-9 mm. in diameter, red or purplish black, opaque: seeds 2-2.4 mm. long.

"extensively covering the ledges at about 1065m (3500ft) altitude, Mt. Saddleback, Rangely, August 17 1894 Fernald (TYPE in Gray Herb.)"