Most similar to the more widespread P. kermesina. Perhaps sometimes a short-lived perennial. Leaves sometimes rather close spaced, 7–15 x 0.7–1 mm; axillary wool white, sometimes very copious and almost concealing stem, scales absent. Involucral leaves up to 22 mm long but often less. Sepals 5.5–7 mm long, acute. Petals yellow. Stamens more than 20. Capsule lid truncated-conical, 3.5 mm high. Seeds ± compressed, 0.45–0.5 mm long, dark brown, not iridescent, testa cells with conspicuously undulate margins, ± flat.