Heads 1–7(–11). Ray florets 15–25(–32). Disc florets 53–109. 2n = 20.

Flowering Jun–Aug. Muddy and sandy shorelines, eroded hillsides, rocky-sandy soil, clay or sandy-clay plains, pastures, disturbed roadsides, usually in shortgrass prairie; of conservation concern; 1200–1900 m; Colo.

Variety foliosa grows in Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero, and Pueblo counties.