It is endemic to California, where it has a scattered distribution between southern Mendocino and northern San Luis Obispo Counties, mainly near the coast.

Its habitat includes coastal scrub and grassland and coniferous forest.

This is a perennial herb growing up to 70 centimeters tall with a branching stem.

The leaves are up to 35 centimeters in length and smooth, toothed or lobed along the edges.

At the tip of the body is a large pappus made up of 5 to 10 long, bristly scales.