Leaves 2-pinnatifid, 2–12 × 1–5 cm, lobes 4–10 (linear-lanceolate to ovate-obovate, mostly 1–10 mm wide). Ray corollas mostly yellow to purplish yellow. Cypselae pectinate-fimbriate (both margins). 2n = 28.

Flowering Mar–Nov. Sandy sites; 0–300 m; La., Tex.; Mexico (Tamaulipas).

Variety peduncularis has been reported to hybridize with Ratibida columnifera (S. W. Jackson 1963).