Heads 20-60. Calyculi: bractlets conspicuous (lengths of at least some to ¹ / 2 phyllaries). Involucres (5-)6-8 mm diam. Phyllaries 5-6 mm, tips black. Ray corolla laminae 5-8 mm.

Flowering summer-early fall. Damp and drying habitats in conifer dominated areas, especially road cuts and other disturbed sites; 2700-3700 m; Ariz., Colo., N.Mex., Utah, Wyo.

Variety kingii hybridizes with S. spartioides (R. I. Ediger 1970).