Annuals (sometimes persisting), (5-)20-50(-100+) cm. Stems usually branching from bases and/or distally, rarely scapiform, usually glabrous proximally, sometimes pilosulous. Cauline leaves (1-)3-9+, proximal mostly lanceolate, margins usually dentate, sometimes pinnately lobed, distal narrowly lanceolate to lance-attenuate, margins entire or with 1-2 lobes near bases. Heads (1-)3-5+ in loose, corymbiform arrays. Calyculi: bractlets 13-16+ in 2-3 series, subulate to filiform, 8-12+ mm. Involucres ± cylindric to campanulate, 17-24+ mm. Phyllaries 16-21+. Florets 50-150+; anthers 2.5-3.5 mm (pollen equatorial diameters mostly 43-47 µm). Cypselae: bodies reddish brown, 4-6 mm, beaks 8-10 mm; pappi 7-10+ mm. 2n = 12. Flowering (Feb-)May-Jun(-Sep). Disturbed sites, edges of woods, prairies, sandy soils; 10-600 m; Ala., Ark., Fla., Ga., Kans., Mo., Nebr., N.C., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va., W.Va.