Biennials or perennials (rarely flowering first year), 5–12(–20+) cm. Stems arachno-villous (gray to gray-green). Heads in ± loose, corymbiform arrays. Peduncles 15–35(–50) mm. Involucres 7–9(–12) mm. Rays 4–5(–8); laminae 8–15+ mm, spreading in fruit. Disc florets (10–)12–15(–20). Cypselae usually glabrous, sometimes gland-dotted; pappi of 4–5 ± oblong scales 1.5–2 mm. 2n = 32.

Flowering May–Jun. Rocky, often alkaline, slopes, knolls; 1300–2000 m; Colo., Idaho.