Leaf blades 20-80+ × 3-15+ mm. Phyllaries ± lanceolate, 1-10 mm. Ray laminae 5-7+ mm. Disc corollas 4-5+ mm. Cypselae 3-4 mm; pappi 3-4 mm. 2n = 10.

Flowering Jun-Nov. Serpentine outcrops and clay slopes; 300-1000 m; Calif.

Benitoa occidentalis is known only from the inner South Coast Ranges, southern San Benito County, and adjacent Fresno and Monterey counties.