Perennials, (5-)10-29 cm (deeply taprooted). Stems erect. Leaf blades 20-70 mm overall, lobes 5-11, ± quadrate to linear, rachis widths mostly 2-3 times lobe widths. Peduncles 2-10 mm. Calyculi of 2-4 bractlets 4-8 mm. Involucres turbinate to cylindric, 14-18 mm. Phyllaries 8-12, linear to ovate. Ray florets 8-12, laminae 4-9 × 2.5-4 mm. Disc florets (30-)60-100+; corollas yellow, purple-tipped, 8-9.5 mm. Cypselae 7-9 mm; pappi: bristles 3-7 mm, scales 6-8 mm. 2n = 20.

Flowering spring. Deep sands of fans and floors of desert washes; 600-1400 m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).