Shrubs, 40–130 cm. Stems branched from bases, densely white-tomentose. Leaves alternate; petioles 0–2 mm; blades 3-nerved from bases, ovate, 10–30 × 5–20 mm, bases obtuse to truncate, margins entire or serrulate, apices acute, faces densely white-tomentose, often gland-dotted. Heads borne singly. Peduncles 30–60 mm, canescent. Involucres campanulate, 15–20 mm. Phyllaries 38–44 in 6–8 series, greenish to purple, 6–9-striate, unequal, margins narrowly scarious-ciliate (faces white tomentose and gland-dotted, apices obtuse to acuminate); outer ovate, inner lanceolate. Florets 45–60; corollas pale yellow or cream, often purple-tinged, 8.5–14 mm. Cypselae 8.5–10 mm, sericeous, gland-dotted; pappi of 42–44 white, barbellate bristles. 2n = 18.

Flowering May–Oct. Sandy and gravelly washes, flats; 300–1600 m; Ariz., Calif., Nev.