The main stem (caudex) of the plant is robust and has some roughly 2 millimeter large scales towards its top.

The leaves are arranged alternate to each other along the stem, and their lower side is covered in dense silver hairs.

Two invalid synonyms, C. argenteus and C. obstusilobus, were introduced by Cecil Victor Boley Marquand in 1924.

[1] The species is found among pine trees in forested areas, as well as on dry slopes and sandy dunes.

It is found at elevations of 2,800–4,300 meters, and is restricted in its distribution to western Yunnan in China.