Stems usually branched distally, densely, coarsely stipitate-glandular. Leaves green to dark green, mid cauline averaging 13.9 × 3.9 mm (9.2-19.4 × 2.2-7.8 mm); branch leaves glabrate to sparsely hispid (fewer than 5 hairs/mm²), moderately to densely coarsely glandular. Outer phyllaries narrowly to broadly ovate. 2n = 18.

Flowering Jul-Oct. Sand and gravel soils, gravel bars, along arroyos, flood plains of streams in dry oak woods and grassy hills; 100-700 m; Calif.

Variety scaberrima is found in the inner Coast Ranges. Its branches tend to be longer on average; the arrays are thus rather large and open compared to undamaged plants of the other varieties. The smaller leaves of much branched and few-headed specimens of var. rudis can result in a habit similar to that of var. scaberrima. This could create confusion in identity if the ovate outer phyllaries of the latter are overlooked.