The basal leaves are up to 3 inches long, and a few small stem leaves resemble bracts. This is a plant of dry rocky sites and meadows and ranges from 5,000-8,000 feet. This is variety alpigenum.

The flowers have many rays and a bright, broad yellow center. They are solitary on 8-inch stems, a distinguishing field mark for this subalpine aster.

As with many asters, Alpine Aster seeds are wind-dispersed.