[3] This perennial wildflower is widespread across much of North America, from Yukon east to Québec and south as far as California, Arizona, Illinois, and Connecticut, although it may be naturalized rather than native in parts of that range.

It has lance-shaped leaves near the base and several erect, naked stems holding the flowers.

[9][10][11][12][13] Each flower head has a center of about 12 brownish or reddish purple disc florets and a fringe of ray florets which are about 10–30 mm (1⁄2–1+1⁄4 in) long and yellow to reddish with dark bases.

[9] Some Plateau Indian tribes used blanketflower to treat wounds and settle fevers.

[14] Gaillardia aristata is a widely cultivated ornamental plant, used as a perennial garden flower.