The plant is an erect perennial, or occasionally annual, herb that is simple or rarely branched at its base. It generally reaches in height, but can have a prostrate habit in exposed areas such as coastal cliffs. The green stems are rough and covered with fine hairs, and are robust compared with those of other members of the genus. The leaves are , , or in shape and measure long and from wide. They are also covered with cobwebby hairs. Sitting atop tall stems above the foliage, the flower heads range from in diameter. Occasionally, multiple heads arise from the one stem. Like the flowers of all Asteraceae, they are composed of a central disc which contains a number of tiny individual flowers, known as florets; these sit directly on an enlarged part of the stem known as the receptacle.