Stems moderately branched, usually simple proximally; proximal mostly (2–)2.5–5 mm wide. Leaves: basal and proximal cauline blades oblanceolate, 20–40(–60) × 3–5(–15) mm, margins entire or rarely with a pair of shallow teeth. 2n = 18.

Flowering May–Jul(–Sep). Open habitats in deep, loose sand; 500–1100 m; Colo., Kans., Nebr., N.Mex., Okla., Tex.

Intergrades between var. robustus and var. bellidiastrum occur in their area of geographic overlap.