Plants up to 40cm, resprouting from a woody rootstock. Leaves largest and oval near the base of stem, becoming narrower up the stem with edges rolled in, often sandpapery above, densely felted below; flowers of magenta or pink rays (bracts) and central disc of yellow florets. Outer pappus bristles are scale-like.

pappus = a ring of hairs or scales round the top of the ovary outside the corolla.