Corollas typically 10-12 mm long. Lateral spines usually 3-4 pairs, the upper pair on the central spine near the center . Corollas usually 25-35 mm long, paler than those of yellow starthistle . Involucre 12-30 mm long. Lateral spines typically 3-5 pairs at the base of the central spine.
Pappus bristles slender, stiff, unequal.
Outer ring of achenes dull dark brown, often speckled with tan, lack pappus bristles , often remain in heads. Bases deeply notched, narrow, hook-like. Pappus bristles pale tan, 1-3 mm long. Bases deeply notched, broad, hook-like . Pappus bristles dark brown to black , 6-7 mm long.