Annuals, 5–20+ cm (taproots relatively short and thin). Herbage glabrous or sparsely tomentose (especially distally). Stems usually 1 (relatively thin, delicate). Leaves evenly distrib­uted; sessile; blades oblanceolate to lance-linear, 2–4 × 0.5–1 cm, bases sometimes weakly clasping, margins usually subpinnate to dentate, sometimes subentire (distal leaves bractlike). Heads 4–10+ in open, cymiform arrays. Calyculi 0 or of 1–3+ lance-deltate bractlets. Phyllaries ± 8 or ± 13, 5–6 mm, tips greenish. Ray florets 0 or 1–5; corolla laminae 0.5–1+ mm (barely surpassing phyllaries, heads perhaps technically disciform). Cypselae densely hairy. 2n = 40.

Flowering late winter–spring. Dry, open ground, especially alkaline flats; of conservation concern; 10–400 m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).