Shrubs, 30–120 cm. Stems 1–5+, erect, spiny, pannose but for tomentose to glabrescent streaks. Leaves: primaries forming straight, ascending spines, 20–30 mm; secondaries oblanceolate to spatulate, 10–30 mm, tomentose to sericeous. Heads 4–7. Peduncles 5–12 mm. Involucres turbinate, 8–10 mm. Phyllaries 4–5, narrowly ovate. Florets 4–5; corollas pale yellow, 10–12 mm. Cypselae 5–8 mm, densely pilose or villous; pappi of 100–150 bristles 9–12 mm. 2n = 60.

Flowering spring–summer. Sandy and gravelly places, Joshua tree woodlands, creosote bush scrub; 600–1500 m; Ariz., Calif., Nev.