[1] It is native to the eastern and central United States, with its distribution extending into Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The flower head is about half a centimeter long and is enclosed in narrow, sometimes purple-tinged phyllaries.

The fruit is a dark-colored, resinous achene about half a centimeter long, including its pappus of white or purplish bristles.

[3] This is a host plant for the larvae of the Little Metalmark (Calephelis virginiensis), and the adult consumes the nectar.

[6] It is used in traditional medicine systems of the Indian subcontinent as a treatment for gastric ulcers, wounds, and insect bites and stings.