Parthenium confertum var. lyratum is not woody like Parthenium incanum, but rather herbaceous and bright green in appearance rather than grayish. The lobed leaves of Parthenium confertum var. lyratum are larger than those of Parthenium incanum as well. The flowers of the two species look similar though, with about 5 widely spaced short white ray flowers and a woolly appearing white disc. The achene is glabrous, rather than pubescent as with Parthenium incanum. Parthenium confertum var. lyratum is found on rocky slopes at middle elevation.