Basal leaves: longer spines 4-15 mm, distal faces equally glandular and tomentose. Cauline leaves: longer spines 10-18 mm. Distalmost stem bracts typically separated from heads. Phyllaries 65-85, 25-35 of them reflexed; apical spines 3-6 mm; marginal spines usually absent. Cypselae 3.4-4.1 mm. 2n = 34.

Flowering spring-summer (Apr-Aug). Serpentine seeps in areas of chaparral, valley grasslands, foothill woodlands; of conservation concern; 300-800 m; Calif.

Variety campylon is endemic to the Mt. Hamilton Range in Alameda, Santa Clara, and Stanislaus counties.