Leaf blades lanceolate to elliptic or oblong, (0.6-)1-3.5(-4) × 0.5-1.5 cm. Scapes (0.6-)1-4(-5) dm, glabrous or, rarely, slightly floccose. Involucres turbinate, 3-5.5(-6) × (1.5-)2.5-3(-4) mm, sparsely floccose or glabrous. Flowers 1.5-3 mm; perianth glabrous. Achenes 1.5-3 mm.

Flowering May-Jun. Volcanic, diatomaceous or gumbo flats, washes, and slopes, saltbush and sagebrush communities, juniper woodlands; 600-1800 m; Idaho, Nev., Oreg.

Variety calcareum is known from southern Baker and Malheur counties, Oregon, and from Elmore, Owyhee, Payette, Twin Falls, and southern Washington counties, Idaho. It is considered 'sensitive' in Idaho.