Annuals or perennials, 3-25 cm. Stems erect to spreading. Leaves 10-60 mm overall, lobes 3-5, linear to filiform, rachis widths hardly greater than lobe widths. Peduncles 5-30 mm. Calyculi of 4-6 bractlets 1-2 mm. Involucres turbinate to fusiform, 11-15 mm. Phyllaries 6-8, lanceolate. Ray florets 7-9, laminae 7-16 × 3-6 mm. Disc florets 15-25(-50); corollas yellow, 7-8 mm. Cypselae 5-7 mm; pappi: bristles 3-5 mm, scales 5-7 mm. 2n = 20.

Flowering mostly fall, following rains. Sandy, often calcareous or gypseous soils of fans, flats, or playas in desert scrub; 800-1700 m; Tex.; Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas).