It extends eastward to southwest Montana, Wyoming, western Colorado and northwest New Mexico, where it grows in sagebrush scrub, woodlands, forest, scrubby open plains, and other habitat.

The inflorescence bears usually three to six flower heads which are each enveloped in four thick phyllaries coated in white woolly hairs.

[5][6][4] The shrub is wildfire-resistant, resprouting vigorously and increasing in herbage and seed production in seasons following a fire.

[7] The shrub is toxic to sheep, causing photosensitivity, bad wool quality, abortion, and death due to the presence of furanoeremophilanes.

[7][8] Native American groups used this plant for a number of medicinal purposes, including protection from ghosts and witches.