Subshrubs or herbs, 1-2(-2.5) dm, glabrous. Aerial flowering stems not fistulose, 0.8-1.2(-1.5) dm. Leaf blades (1.5-)2-3.5(-4.5) × 1-2(-2.5) cm, tomentose abaxially, tomentose to densely floccose adaxially. Inflorescences subcapitate to cymose, 5-8 × 4-8 cm. Involucres campanulate, 4-5 × 3-6 mm. Flowers 2.5-3(-3.5) mm; perianth white.

Flowering Apr-Oct. Rocky cliffs and bluffs, coastal grassland and scrub communities; 20-60 m; Calif.

Variety timorum is rare and restricted to San Nicolas Island, Ventura County. It is in cultivation but has not become naturalized on the mainland.