Flowers form a tall central cone with 4 to 12 bright yellow petals hanging downward. The cone becomes a head of tiny, hairy, narrowly winged, brown seeds. Commonly about 18 inches high.The long taproot gives it excellent tolerance to drought, but grazers do favor it. Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates drought, light shade and somewhat poor soils. Intolerant of moist heavy clays. Blooms June – October depending on elevation. Self-seeds readily.