Annuals, 10–60 cm. Stems 1–6, ascending or erect, simple or branched proximally and distally, glaucous or glabrous. Cauline leaves: proximal linear to obovate, sometimes pinnately lobed, not fleshy, ultimate margins entire or dentate, faces glabrous; distal reduced (ovate to lanceolate, rarely pinnately lobed, bases clasping). Calyculi 0. Involucres hemispheric, 10–22+ × 6–22+ mm. Phyllaries (25–)40–60+ in 4–6+ series, (midstripes usually reddish or purple) orbiculate to ovate, oblong, lance-oblong, or linear, unequal, hyaline margins 1–2.5 mm wide, faces glabrous. Receptacles densely bristly. Florets 85–257; corollas usually pale yellow, sometimes white, 8–12 mm; outer ligules exserted 2–5 mm. Cypselae ± prismatic, 1.6–3.2 mm, ribs extending beyond apices, 5 more prominent than others; persistent pappi of 20–25+, blunt teeth plus 2–6 bristles. Pollen 70–100% 3-porate. 2n = 14.
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