This is an annual herb varying in maximum size from under 10 to nearly 80 centimeters in height, growing erect to decumbent.

The leaves are widely lance-shaped and toothed, the lowest approaching 11 centimeters in maximum length.

The flower heads appear singly at the tips of the stem branches.

Each head is lined with phyllaries covered in large glands and sometimes many hairs.

The disc florets are yellow with brown throats.