Annual, 7-40 cm tall, usually branched only at base; stem 1-5-(many), usually erect, sometimes ascending. Basal lvs mostly 0 at flowering, sometimes present and withered. Lower cauline lvs apetiolate, sparsely to densely silky hairy on both surfaces, ± concolorous, usually plane, oblanceolate to narrowly obovate-oblong, obtuse, mucronate, usually flat, sometimes undulate, (8)-30- 50-(80) × 4-8-(15) mm; upper cauline lvs smaller, narrow, folded upwards, often undulate, usually falcate. Capitula in terminal and axillary clusters; clusters usually forming dense terminal spikes and often scattered below. Involucral bracts oblong, usually apiculate, sometimes obtuse, 3-4 mm long; stereome green, sometimes tinged reddish purple; lamina pale to dark brown, often with a darker band toward base and flushed reddish purple; gap and margins clear or marked reddish purple; outer bracts glabrous, or sparsely hairy at base. Achenes minutely papillate, c. 0.5 mm long.