Stems ascending-erect, 30–60 cm, densely hirsutulous (hairs spreading-deflexed, sometimes ascending-strigose) distally. Leaves: proximal and mid margins with stiff, spreading cilia, faces sparsely strigoso-hispid. Involucres 4.5–5.5 mm.

Flowering Jun–Sep. Dry, grassy slopes and meadows, areas of conifer woodlands; of conservation concern; 1200–2200 m; Calif.

Phyllaries in var. keilii vary from strigose to glabrous and glandular, the glandularity perhaps reflecting hybridization with Erigeron breweri.