Stem: perennial; 2’ to 2 1/2’ tall; unbranched; smooth.
Leaves: opposite; divided into three elongate lobes; 1 3/4” by 3/4” overall; smooth above and below.
Inflorescence: few heads at the ends of leafy flower stalks from the stem tip and upper leaf axils.
Heads: yellow rays with a notch at the tip, yellow disk flowers, the head 1 1/2” across; fillaries dark yellowish, 3/8” long; flowering from late June to mid-July.
Fruits: “seeds” (fruits) 3/16” long, flat and curved; without a plume; only the marginal flowers in the head producing fruits; fruiting begins in early July.
Habitat: frequent on mesic and dry prairies.
Notes: Plants are usually found in patches rather than singly.