The etymology of the genus name derives from Greek: Penta = five + chaeta = bristle, referring to the pappus scales of P. aurea.

[2] This genus consists of annual plants whose above surface architecture emanates from slender taproot, which appears smooth, but actually is covered by fine hairs.

The stems are typically simple or branching in the lower half of plant, and they are erect, generally flexible, and of green to reddish color.

The terminal inflorescences are solitary with heads radiate, disciform or discoid; peduncles manifest as wispy with bell-shaped involucres measuring three to seven millimeters.

This genus has green phyllaries in two to three generally equal series, lanceolate to obovate, with margins widely scarious, and a naked receptacle.