Perennials, 2–10 cm (± pulvinate to dendroid). Stems ± erect; inter- nodes 0.1–1+ mm, densely piloso-hirsute to hispidulous (surfaces usually hidden by hairs). Leaves basal and cauline, blades ± spatulate or oblanceolate to linear, 4–9(–25) × 1–2(–3) mm, ± fleshy, ± strigose. Heads ± sessile. Involucres ± hemispheric to campanulate, 3–6 mm diam. Phyllaries 22–26 in 3–4+ series, the longer ± lanceolate, 3–4 mm (l/w = 2.5–5), apices acute, abaxial faces ± strigillose. Ray florets (4–)12–16; corollas white or pinkish adaxially, laminae 3–5+ mm, glabrous abaxially. Disc florets 40–60; corollas 2.5–3+ mm. Cypselae 2–2.5 mm, faces hairy, hair tips glochidiform; pappi persistent; on ray cypselae 12–15 lance-subulate scales 0.1–0.5 mm; on disc cypselae 12–15+ subulate to setiform scales 2.5–3+ mm.

Flowering Apr–Sep. Gypsum outcrops; of conservation concern; 1600–2100 m; N.Mex.