Leaves (and peduncular bracts) glabrous or ± hirsute, seldom glandular (sometimes with yellowish, minute, stipitate glands among eglandular hairs). Involucres 4-9 mm. Paleae lacking purple lines. Ray laminae 2.5-3(-4.5) mm. Anthers yellow or brownish. 2n = 24.

Flowering Jun-Oct. Terraces, swales, flood plains, often ± alkaline sites, grasslands, disturbed sites (e.g., fallow fields); of conservation concern; 0-300 m; Calif.

Subspecies congdonii is found in the South Coast Ranges and San Francisco Bay area. Molecular and morphologic studies have indicated that the southern and northern populations are evolutionarily distinct and may warrant treatment as distinct taxa (B. G. Baldwin, unpubl.).