Perennials, (7-)20-30(-40+) cm (rhizomes exfoliating). Herbage densely lanate-tomentose, glabrescent (especially on adaxial faces of leaves). Stems single. Leaves mostly basal; petiolate; blades narrowly obovate, (2-)3-7(-10) × 1-2(-3+) cm, bases tapered, margins subentire to denticulate (cauline leaves bractlike). Heads 1(-3). Calyculi of (1-)5-8+ linear to filiform bractlets (lengths ¹ / 3 - ³ / 4 phyllaries). Phyllaries ± 21, 8-12 mm, tips greenish (with white bristles). Ray florets ± 13; corolla laminae usually 8-10 mm (sometimes tubular, unexpanded, heads then perhaps technically disciform). Cypselae hairy. Flowering summer. In duff, rocky woodlands, especially in pine-dominated areas; 2000-3000 m; Ariz., N.Mex.; Mexico (Chihuahua, Durango). Plants of Senecio actinella with relatively small proximal leaves similar to basal leaves and adaxial leaf faces early glabrate have been recognized as var. mogollonicus; the distinction is difficult to maintain. Receptacles in Senecio actinella are sometimes insect-infested.