Hirsute annuals; stems 20-60 cm tall, branches ascending. Leaves sessile or nearly so, lower ones oblanceolate, 5-10 cm long, entire or lobed, base attenuate, lower surface densely hispid, upper surface sparingly long pubescent; upper leaves smaller, oblong-lanceolate, acute, sessile, often clasping. Heads 3-5 cm across; peduncle 7-20 cm long; involucre 3-seriate, bracts lanceolate, 1-2.5 cm long, disc florets long, purple tipped; ray florets yellow and purple or purple throughout; style branches with long purple hairy appendages. Achenes turbinate, 2-3 cm long, villous at base; pappus scales long awned, 4-8 mm long. Chromosome number, 2n = 34 (Peng & Hsu, 1978).

TAIPEI: Paishawan, Peng 2105; Shihmen, Hsu 10853. PENGHU: Hushi, Peng 1869. TAITUNG: Sanhsientai, Peng 2650.

Native of North America; introduced as an ornamental in Taiwan, escaped and naturalized in coastal regions, particularly abundant in Penghu Hsien.