Leaves 12-34 mm overall, lobes 3-7, unequal (terminal lobes usually notably longer than laterals). Peduncles 2-5 cm. Calyculi of 3-5 bractlets. Involucres cylindric, 3-5 × 2-3.5 mm. Phyllaries ca. 13, margins of outer distinct ¹/3 or less their lengths, abaxial faces sparsely puberulous, often glabrescent. Disc florets 16-40. Pappi of 5 erose scales alternating with 5, 1-3-aristate scales.

Flowering early spring and late summer, following rains. Calcareous outcrops and bluffs, deserts; 1500-2500 m; Ariz., N.Mex., Tex.; Mexico.