Perennials (annuals?), 30–60(–100) cm (apparently taprooted). Herbage viscid-pubescent (reputedly notably odorous). Stems single (sometimes branching). Leaves evenly distributed (basal and proximal sometimes withering before flowering); weakly petiolate; blades ovate or obovate to suborbiculate, spatulate, or lanceolate, 8–12 × 2–4 cm, bases tapered to truncate, margins dentate (mid and distal leaves similar, triangular-lanceolate, bases truncate, clasping). Heads 12–30 in corymbiform arrays. Calyculi of 5–15+ lanceolate or linear to subulate bractlets (lengths ¹ / 3 – ⁷ / 8 + phyllaries). Phyllaries ± 21, 6–7 mm, tips greenish. Ray florets ± 13; corolla laminae 8–10(–12+) mm. Cypselae hairy.

Flowering late summer–fall. Rocky, disturbed sites in desert mountains; 1300–2300 m; Ariz., N.Mex., Tex.; Mexico.

Senecio parryi is infrequently collected and poorly known. In the flora, it is known from trans-Pecos Texas westward to southern Arizona.