Perennials (fragrant), 20-70(-120) cm; taprooted. Stems (sometimes lignescent near bases) proximally glabrescent, distally persistently tomentose, at least in the region of the heads, not glandular. Leaf blades (not crowded, internodes mostly 5+ mm), oblong-oblanceolate to oblanceolate (the distal lanceolate), 1.5-5(-8) cm × 4-10(-15) mm, bases auriculate-clasping, not decurrent, margins flat or slightly revolute, often undulate, faces bicolor (at least basal and proximal cauline), abaxial white-tomentose, adaxial bright green and ± densely glandular. Heads in corymbiform arrays. Involucres turbinate-campanulate, 5-5.5(-6) mm. Phyllaries in 4-5 series, white or sometimes slightly pinkish (opaque, shiny), ovate to oblong-ovate or oblong (often longitudinally wrinkled or grooved), glabrous. Pistillate florets 41-73. Bisexual florets 5-13. Cypselae ridged, smooth.

Flowering Apr-Jun(-Oct). Rocky slopes, roadsides, sandy plains with Larrea, coastal strand, matorral, and chaparral; 5-600(-1200) m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California, Baja California Sur).