Perennials, (1-)2-8(-12+) cm. Stems decumbent to erect; inter-nodes (0.5-)2-6(-12+) mm, usually densely piloso-hirsute, sometimes strigoso-scabrellous (surfaces usually hidden by hairs). Leaves basal and cauline, blades spatulate to narrowly oblanceolate, 3-12(-40+) × 1-2(-4+) mm, not fleshy, ± strigoso-scabrellous to strigillose. Heads at tips of stems (usually surpassed by leaves). Involucres ± campanulate to hemispheric, (6-)10-15(-20) mm diam. Phyllaries 16-28+ in 3-4+ series, the longer ± lance-ovate to lanceolate, (6-)8-9(-12+) mm (l/w = 2.5-5), apices acute, abaxial faces strigose. Ray florets (8-)13-34+; corollas white or pinkish adaxially, laminae 5-8(-12+) mm, abaxially usually glabrous, sometimes glandular-puberulent at bases. Disc florets 60-80+; corollas 4.5-6.5+ mm. Cypselae 3.5-4.5+ mm, faces hairy, hair tips glochidiform; pappi persistent; on ray cypselae 15-30 lanceolate or subulate to setiform scales 0.3-0.6 or 4-6+ mm; on disc cypselae 15-30+ subulate to setiform scales 4-6+ mm. 2n = 18.

Flowering Apr-Jul. Sandy soils, rocky benches, shales, with pinyons and junipers; 1100-2200 m; Ariz., Colo., Mont., Nev., N.Mex., Utah, Wyo.