Heads consist of numerous disc and 10-14 ray flowers . Involucre bell-shaped to cylindric. Achenes cylindric with shallow ribs, 1.5-3 mm long, light brown, often pubescent. Pappus bristles numerous, soft, white, about twice the achene length. Disc achenes pubescent on ribs, have a more persistent pappus.
Achenes pubescent between ribs.
Fruiting heads often nodding. Dead brown stems can persist for several months. Disturbed sites, waste places, roadsides. Also pastures, rangelands, near riparian areas, and in forested areas. Grows best on light, well-drained soils in cool, moist climates.