Plants 6–12 cm. Leaves proximally opposite, distally alternate; petioles 2–4 mm; blades broadly ovate to suborbiculate, margins with 1–2 shallow serrations or lobes, faces scabrous-hispidulous; pappi of 2–3(–4) bristles (1–2 reduced). 2n = ca. 204.

Flowering spring–fall. Crevices of limestone bluffs; of conservation concern;1200–1600 m; Tex.

Variety scalaris is known only from at or near the type locality east of the Dead Horse Mountains in southeastern Brewster County.