Biennial herb up to 1 m. tall; stem branched in inflorescential region, arising from stout taproot, ribbed, densely clad in stout bristles c. 2 mm. long, ∞ axis; the bristles shorter, finer and less dense on branches. Basal lvs up to 10 × 2 cm.; oblanceolate, cuneately narrowed to subamplexicaul base. Stem-lvs lanceolate-oblong, sessile by broad subamplexicaul base, diminishing to linear bracts of infl. Capitula few to many; sub-corymbosely arranged, on long hispid pedicels; 1-1·5 cm. long, 1 cm. diam. Outer phyll. 4-6 mm. long, linear, ± hispid, often bearing cottony wool. Inner phyll. erect, subequal, c. 8-10 mm. long, indumentum similar. Achenes 2.5-3 mm. long, narrow-oblong, compressed, abruptly narrowed to very short beak. Pappus-hairs unequal, up to 6 mm. long, slender, sparsely plumose with long slender hairs.

Biennial to perennial. Stem erect, branched above, grooved, 30-80 cm tall, with sparse to dense spreading bristly hairs each bearing 2 recurved barbs at apex. Lvs with spreading bristles, each bristle with 2 recurved barbs at apex. Basal lvs linear-oblanceolate, subentire to bluntly dentate, acute or subacute, 5-15 × 0.5-2 cm, tapered to short narrowly winged petiole. Stem lvs similar, the uppermost sessile, linear, subauriculate. Capitula numerous. Involucre 8-11 mm long; outer bracts linear-lanceolate, narrowly acute at apex, with short crisped hairs, bristly on midrib, c. ⅔ length of inner bracts; inner bracts similar. Corolla yellow, c. 11/2× length of involucre. Achenes fusiform, transversely wrinkled, red-brown, glabrous; body 3.5-5.5 mm long; beak very short or 0. Pappus dirty white, 2-rowed, the outer ciliolate, the inner plumose.