The leaves have whitish midribs, and are positioned basally and mostly alternately on the stem.

The stem and leaves are sparsely to densely covered with short white hairs.

Each flower has a long, thread-like, divided style protruding from the center.

[3] The fruits (cypselae) are 5–7 mm (3⁄16–1⁄4 in) long, each with a ring (pappus) of barbed hairs at the top.

[5] Liatris aspera is similar to Liatris ligulistylis in having button-like flower heads, but the stalks of its flower heads are shorter or absent altogether, and it prefers drier habitats.