Stems not branched. Cauline leaves mostly alternate; blades oblong-lanceolate to lance-linear, (10-)20-45 mm wide. Heads usually 2-3+, seldom borne singly. Cypselae winged; pappi of 2 ± subulate scales plus 0-4 shorter scales.

Flowering Apr-Jul. Meadows, open forest, chaparral; (200-)600-2300+ m; Calif., Nev., Oreg.

Subspecies nevadensis grows in the Sierra Nevada and in the Cascade Range.