Biennials or perennials (rarely flowering first year), 5-12(-20+) cm. Stems arachno-villous (gray to gray-green). Heads in ± loose, corymbiform arrays. Peduncles 15-35(-50) mm. Involucres 7-9(-12) mm. Rays 4-5(-8); laminae 8-15+ mm, spreading in fruit. Disc florets (10-)12-15(-20). Cypselae usually glabrous, sometimes gland-dotted; pappi of 4-5 ± oblong scales 1.5-2 mm. 2n = 32.

Flowering May-Jun. Rocky, often alkaline, slopes, knolls; 1300-2000 m; Colo., Idaho.