Cypselae columnar, 4-10 mm (tapered to basal callosities, filled by embryos or distal ¹/4-¹/2 empty), ribs slightly flared apically, slightly constricted below flaring; pappi of orbiculate to lanceolate, arcuate, involute (glabrous or villous) scales 1-6.5 mm, usually 1-6 mm shorter than cypselae. 2n = 18.

Flowering Mar--Jun. Clay soils, flats and hillsides, often by vernal pools or near serpentine outcrops, grasslands and open oak and Pinus sabiniana woodlands; 10-800 m; Calif., Oreg.

Subspecies douglasii is the common subspecies away from the coast in cismontane California, north of the Transverse Ranges; it is relatively rare in southwestern California and southern Oregon. Some populations near the coast appear to be hybrids between it, or subsp. tenella, and Microseris bigelovii.