Subshrubs or perennials, (15-)20-40(-54) cm. Stems branched mostly in proximal ³ / 4 , glabrous, densely stipitate-glandular. Leaf blades spatulate to obovate or oblong, rarely elliptic, 5-24 mm wide, bases attenuate, not clasping, margins flat, toothed to entire (densely short-ciliate), faces densely stipitate-glandular, otherwise glabrous. Peduncles 5-10 cm. Involucres (20-)25-35(-40) × (20-)28-40(-48) mm. Ray florets (18-)24-32(-34); corollas usually light blue to purple, rarely white. Style- branch appendages equaling or shorter than stigmatic lines. 2n = 12.

Flowering Mar-May. Barren areas, alkaline, rocky-clay soil, gypsum or limestone flats, shaly slopes, rocky hills, dominated by saltbush, creosote bush, catclaw, and yucca; 700-1100 m; Tex.; Mexico (Chihuahua).