Subshrubs. Roots robust, woody. Stems numerous, ascending or flexuous patent, rarely suberect, 15-30 cm, retrorse pubescent, base robust, woody. Leaves oblong-ovate to ovate, 8-15(-20) × 2-9 mm, sparsely pubescent or subglabrous, conspicuously glandular, base cuneate or attenuate to petioles, margin entire or conspicuously 1-4-serrate, apex obtuse to acute. Capitula semiglobose to subglobose, less than 2 cm in diam; floral leaves reduced, ciliate. Pedicel ca. 1.5 mm. Calyx dark purple, tubular, 5-7 mm, with spreading, long white hairs shorter than to as long as calyx width; teeth subequal, narrowly lanceolate. Corolla purplish or purple, ca. 9 mm, with rigid short hairs; tube slightly exserted, with long hairs inside. Fertile stamens 2, posterior stamens absent. Fl. Jul-Aug.

Grassy hillsides; 300-2100 m. Xinjiang [Kyrgyzstan].