Plants 4-6(-10) dm. Aerial flowering stems (1.5-)2-3 dm, tomentose. Leaves: petiole 0.5-1 cm; blade oblong-ovate, 2.5-3.5(-6) × 1.5-2(-4) cm, densely white-tomentose on both surfaces or sometimes slightly less so adaxially. Inflorescences compact to rarely open, 2-15 cm wide. Involucres (3-)3.5-4(-5) mm. Flowers 2-2.5 mm. Achenes 2-2.5 mm.

Flowering May-Oct. Rocky outcrops and cliffs, coastal scrub communities; of conservation concern; 0-100 m; Calif.

Variety compactum is a rare and localized plant on Santa Barbara and Sutil islands, Santa Barbara County. It is in cultivation, but only in botanical gardens.