Annuals or perennials, 3–25 cm. Stems erect to spreading. Leaves 10–60 mm overall, lobes 3–5, linear to filiform, rachis widths hardly greater than lobe widths. Peduncles 5–30 mm. Calyculi of 4–6 bractlets 1–2 mm. Involucres turbinate to fusiform, 11–15 mm. Phyllaries 6–8, lanceolate. Ray florets 7–9, laminae 7–16 × 3–6 mm. Disc florets 15–25(–50); corollas yellow, 7–8 mm. Cypselae 5–7 mm; pappi: bristles 3–5 mm, scales 5–7 mm. 2n = 20.

Flowering mostly fall, following rains. Sandy, often calcareous or gypseous soils of fans, flats, or playas in desert scrub; 800–1700 m; Tex.; Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas).