Leaves 2-pinnatifid, 2-12 × 1-5 cm, lobes 4-10 (linear-lanceolate to ovate-obovate, mostly 1-10 mm wide). Ray corollas mostly yellow to purplish yellow. Cypselae pectinate-fimbriate (both margins). 2n = 28.

Flowering Mar-Nov. Sandy sites; 0-300 m; La., Tex.; Mexico (Tamaulipas).

Variety peduncularis has been reported to hybridize with Ratibida columnifera (S. W. Jackson 1963).