Bigelow's Bristlehead

Stems usually stiff, erect. Leaves often fascicled on older growth; blades 5–35 mm. Heads terminal (± pedunculate) or in leaf axils (sessile). Involucres 12–20 mm. Phyllaries: gland-dotted, sometimes puberulent as well, margins narrowly hyaline, apices acute. Corollas 15–20 mm, throats usually purplish, lobes creamy white. Cypselae yellow-green to golden brown, 11–14 mm; pappus scales mostly brownish to purplish with colorless, hyaline margins, aristae of the longer 1–3+ mm, scabrous. 2n = 22.