Perennials, (20–)40–80(–120) cm (caudices fibrous-rooted). Herbage usually floccose-tomentose to glabrescent, sometimes glabrous. Stems single or loosely clustered. Leaves progressively reduced distally; petiolate (proximal); blades ovate to lanceolate, 7–15 × (1–)2–5 cm, bases contracted or tapered, margins subentire or serrate to dentate (mid and distal leaves similar, sessile, bractlike, often clasping). Heads nodding (especially when young), (1–)3–12(–20) in racemiform or paniculiform arrays (terminal heads often largest). Calyculi of 4–10 linear bractlets (lengths mostly 1 / 3 – 1 / 2 phyllaries, sometimes 1 or 2 equaling phyllaries). Phyllaries ± 13 or ± 21, 6–12 mm, tips green. Ray florets 0. Cypselae glabrous. 2n = 40.
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