Perennials, (20–)30–60 cm (rhizomes branched, spreading or suberect). Herbage (unevenly purple-tinged, often glaucous) glabrous. Stems 1–(2–3). Leaves progressively reduced distally; petiolate; blades ovate to oblanceolate, 4–8(–9+) × (2–)3–5 cm, bases tapered, margins dentate to incised-dentate (some denticles callous; mid leaves similar, smaller, ± clasping; distal leaves bractlike). Heads 25–60+ in cymiform clusters of 3–12. Calyculi 0 or of 1–3+ lance-deltate to lance-linear bractlets (mostly less than 1 mm). Phyllaries (± 5) ± 8, 3–4(–5) mm, tips green or brownish. Ray florets 0. Cypselae glabrous. 2n = 40.

Flowering late summer–early fall. Rocky hillsides and cliffs in coniferous wooded areas; 1800–2800 m; Colo., Idaho, S.Dak., Wyo.