H. algida is a hairy, glandular perennial herb producing stout erect stems approaching 40 centimeters (16 inches) in height.

The dark green leaves are narrow and covered in white hairs, and the edges are wavy and toothed.

Most of the leaves occur in a thick patch at the base of the plant, where they can reach 15 cm (6 in) in length,[2] and some grow from the stems.

[3] Appearing from July to September, the pseudanthium (flower head) is encased in a cup of densely woolly reddish green phyllaries which open to reveal a daisy-like bloom 5–9 cm (2–3+1⁄2 in) wide.

[3] H. nana is similar, but rarely more than 10 cm (4 in) tall, with a leafless stalk and 21 ray flowers per pseudanthium.