Leaf blades glabrous. Scapes glabrous. Inflorescences: sheath length usually 0.5-0.75 times diam. of flower head; outer involucral bracts 0.5-0.75 times length of flower head. Flowers monomorphic: stigmas papillate, pollen coarsely reticulate; calyx glabrous. 2n = 18. Flowering summer. Sand dunes, gravel pavements; 200-300 m; Sask. Subspecies interior is known only from the south shore of Lake Athabasca.