Plants 20-75 cm. Corms globose to elongate-globose. Stems strigoso-puberulent. Leaves: basal and proximal cauline 1-nerved, linear to narrowly oblanceolate, 80-120 × 2-5 mm, gradually reduced distally or abruptly reduced on distal ¹/2 of stems, essentially glabrous (margins proximally piloso-ciliate). Heads (2-20+) in open, cymiform arrays. Peduncles 20-70 mm (bracteate). Involucres cylindro-campanulate, 14-17 × 8-11 mm. Phyllaries in 5-7 series, broadly oblong-obovate (outer) to broadly oblong, strongly unequal, sparsely short-pilose, margins without hyaline borders, ciliolate, apices rounded, sometimes mucronate. Florets 20-25; corolla tubes glabrous inside. Cypselae 6-7 mm; pappi: lengths ± equaling corollas, bristles plumose.

Flowering (Jul-)Aug-Oct. Post oak woodlands, fields, fencerows, openings, edges, clay soils; of conservation concern; 50-100 m; Tex.