Calyculi of reflexed bractlets. Florets 8-9. 2n = 16.

Flowering late Jul-Oct. Chaparral openings, dry, sandy hills and grasslands, often growing as weed on roadside embankments; 0-1800 m; Calif.

Subspecies virgata grows in the South Coast and Transverse ranges. Stephanomeria tomentosa refers to a densely tomentose form occasionally found in some populations of S. virgata.