Erect herbs to c. 1.5 m high, often distinctly leafier in lower 1/3 at anthesis. Taproot inconspicuous; secondary roots fleshy. Stems sparsely to moderately appressed-cottony reducing in density to ± glabrous upwards. Leaves 6–17 cm long, with l:w ratio c. 6–30, undivided or coarsely dentate to lobate, with 1–3 projections per side; base attenuate or with sagittate auricles; margin entire or with well-spaced teeth; upper surface hispid reducing to glabrous upwards; lower surface hispid, usually with a cobwebby overlay, reducing to cobwebby upwards. Capitula numerous per stem; calycular bracteoles 3–5, 1–2 mm long; peduncle and calyculus not cobwebby at anthesis; involucre 6–7.5 mm long, 1.5–2 mm in diam.; bracts 12–14, glabrous. Florets 26–45. Achenes narrowly obloid 2–2.5 (–3) mm long, red-brown or dark brown, with papillose hairs in bands; l:w ratio of hairs c. 2–3. Pappus 6–7.5 mm long.
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