Leaves (and peduncular bracts) ± hirsute to hirtellous, usually coarsely, sometimes sparsely, glandular (glands yellow, sessile or stipitate). Involucres 5–10 mm. Paleae lacking purple lines. Ray corolla laminae 3–5(–6) mm. Anthers yellow or brownish. 2n = 24.

Flowering Jun–Oct. Grasslands (often ± alkaline), coastal salt marshes, alkaline springs and seeps; of conservation concern; 0–400 m; Calif.

Subspecies parryi occurs in the northern San Francisco Bay area and southern North Coast Ranges. Putative natural hybrids between Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi and C. parryi subsp. rudis have been noted (e.g., D. D. Keck 2598, UC, from Sonoma County).