This perennial or biennial herb is a branching stem that reaches 7 to 30 inches in height.

Stem branches bear linear- to lance-shaped leaves 1 to 7 inches in length.

The green herbage is hairy, sticky, and scented. The wide cluster of flowers envelope into a bract of bright white phyllaries.

The flowers are very long lasting when dried and are used in flower arrangements and is a larval food source for the American Painted Lady butterfly.

Native Americans of California brewed a tea from the stems and leaves to treat lower back pain, colds, coughs, and stomach ailments and was also used as an eyewash.