Aerial shoots 10-15 cm. Basal leaves abaxially sparsely long-pilose, adaxially glabrous or nearly glabrous. Inflorescences: flowers solitary; peduncle sparsely long-pilose; involucral bracts 1-tiered, abaxially sparsely long-pilose, adaxially glabrous or nearly glabrous. Flowers: sepals 6(-8), purple to red or green to red, ovate to oblong, 8-10 mm. Achenes: beak strongly hooked distally. 2 n =32.

Flowering summer (Jul-Aug). Rocky slopes; of conservation concern; 2700-3700 m; Ariz., Utah.