Perennials, (20–)30–40(–60) cm (rhizomes suberect or weakly spreading). Herbage lanate-arachnose or tomentose, unevenly glabrescent. Stems 1(–2). Leaves (often purplish abaxially) reduced distally; petiolate; blades ovate to subelliptic, (5–)6–10(–15) × (2.5–)3–5(–9) cm, bases tapered or contracted, margins subentire to denticulate (denticles callous; mid and distal leaves bractlike). Heads (2–)5–12(–20) in corymbiform arrays. Calyculi of 2–5+ bractlets (largest to 3 mm). Phyllaries (± 13) ± 21, 5–7 mm, tips green. Ray florets ± 13; corolla laminae 5–10 mm. Cypselae hairy (especially on angles). 2n = 40.

Flowering late spring–summer. Openings in pine-oak woodlands; 1600–2100 m; Ariz.

Senecio arizonicus is reputedly in southern New Mexico (W. C. Martin and C. R. Hutchins 1980); that seems unlikely and should be checked.