Subshrubs or herbs, 2-5 dm, occasionally floccose. Aerial flowering stems occasionally fistulose, 2-6 dm. Leaf blades 2-5(-6) × 1-3(-4.5) cm, tomentose abaxially, subglabrous adaxially. Inflorescences subcapitate to cymose, 5-15(-30) × 5-20 cm. Involucres campanulate, 5-7 × 4-6 mm. Flowers 2.5-3 mm; perianth pink to red or rose.

Flowering Apr-Sep. Cliffs and bluffs, coastal grassland and scrub communities; 10-200 m; Calif.

Variety rubescens occurs naturally on San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands off the coast of southern California. This expression is highly attractive and frequently planted. It has yet to be found naturalized on the mainland.