Both the latter common name, and the specific epithet are chosen in honor of John C.

[1] Chaenactis fremontii is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Baja California.

[3][4] Chaenactis fremontii may branch to extend many tall, almost naked stems.

Atop each erect stem is an inflorescence bearing usually one but sometimes more flower heads, each with plentiful, densely packed disc florets.

There may be very large ray florets around the edge of the discoid head.