It is native to the western United States from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, and northwestern Nevada.

This wildflower is a perennial up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall, growing from a thick, fleshy taproot.

The lance-shaped leaves reach 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length, and the stem and foliage are often covered in long hairs.

The flower heads have a base of long, hairy green phyllaries.

[4] Some Plateau Indian tribes used the roots to treat erectile dysfunction, wasting, and tuberculosis.