Leaves lyrate-pinnate, 2-14 × 1-6.5 cm, lobes 3-7 (terminal lobes lanceolate-ovate, toothed to parted, 3-50 mm wide). Ray corollas mostly purple, sometimes with some yellow. Cypselae pectinate-fimbriate (adaxial margins). 2n = 28.

Flowering Apr-Oct. Sandy seacoasts; 0-50 m; Tex.

Variety picta has been reported to hybridize with var. peduncularis (E. L. Richards 1968) and Ratibida columnifera (S. W. Jackson 1963).