Leaves (proximal) 1-3(-5) cm, smaller distally. Peduncular bracts 4-7, narrowly lanceolate, 4-8 mm. Phyllaries 3.5-6.5 mm (paleae 4-6 mm) ± strigillose, strongly glandular, abaxial faces bristly, shaggy-hairy, especially margins and apices. Ray corollas tubes ca. 2.5 mm, laminae ca. 4 mm. Disc corollas 3-5 mm, lobes ± hirsute. Cypselae (rays) 1.8-2.7 mm, beaks 0.3 mm, or (discs) 2-2.5 mm; pappi of scales 4-6 mm plus scales ca. 1 mm. 2n = 18.

Flowering spring-summer. Barren, often rocky, exposed hillsides, canyons, chaparral, woodlands; 10-600(-1200) m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).