Perennials, 20–40+ cm. Inter­nodes (± mid stem) 8–12(–16) mm. Leaves: petioles 0–1 mm; blades usually 3-foliolate, simple blades or leaflets entire or each ± pedately lobed with 2–5+, ± oblong to linear lobes 15–30+ × 1–1.5(–2.5+) mm. Peduncles 2–5(–8+) cm. Calyculi of 8 oblong to linear bractlets 1.5–3+ mm. Phyllaries 8, lance-ovate to oblong, 4–5 mm. Ray laminae 10–20+ mm. Disc florets 30–45+; corollas yellow (sometimes drying blackish) or purple, 3–4 mm. Cypselae obovate to oblong, 4–5 mm. 2n = 26.

Flowering Jun–Sep. Openings in woods, sandstone outcrops; 300 m; Ala., Ga.