Upper surfaces loosely and lower surfaces densely covered with white to gray woolly hairs. Cultivated types may lack or have weak spines. Tapoot thick, fleshy, can penetrate soil to depths up to 2 m. Roots fragments often generate new shoots. Phyllaries ovate, overlapping in several series, tapered to a stout point . Receptacle fleshy , covered with bristles.
Stems typically die after flowering and can remain standing for several months.
Old flower heads may persist on the stems. Often associated with overgrazing. Grows best on deep clay soils. Does not tolerate heavy shade. Throughout low elevation areas of California, except Great Basin and desert regions.