Stems 1-6, ascending, branched proximally and distally. Distal cauline leaves oblanceolate to obovate, pinnately lobed (lobes 2-5 pairs, narrow, ultimate margins crisped, apices acute). Calyculi 0 (or bractlets intergrading with phyllaries). Involucres 7-9.2 × 3.4-5.4 mm. Phyllaries 22-40 in 4-5 series. Corollas medium yellow, 6-10 mm; outer ligules exserted 2.5-4 mm. Cypselae ± prismatic (5-angled), 1.3-1.6 mm, 5 ribs more prominent than others. 2n = 14.

Flowering Mar-Jul. Open sandy areas, dunes, between shrubs in chaparral; of conservation concern; 0-100 m; Calif.

Subspecies crispifolia is known only from Anacapa Island.