[4][5][6] The name is derived from the Latin word pecten, meaning "comb."

These plants vary in appearance but they usually bear yellow daisy-like flower heads.

[7] Members of the genus are known generally as cinchweeds (current usage) or chinchweeds (older name).

[8] They are native to the Americas, including the West Indies.

[9][10][11][12][13] Species accepted by Plants of the World Online as of December 2022:[14]