Much like C. albicoma, but more strongly pubescent, the stems densely sericeous, the rather light green lvs densely woolly or sericeous beneath; branches seldom overtopping the central axis; lvs averaging a little larger, the better developed ones mostly 6–11 × 4–9 cm; mature styles mostly 3–4.5 cm; 2n=16. Apr.–June. Local on shale barrens in w. Va.