Lobeleaf groundsel, a short-lived perennial forb, grows up to 2 feet tall and has green foliage that becomes smooth as it matures. It blooms from April through August. Flowers are arranged in a flat-topped, umbrella-like arrangement.

Lobeleaf groudsel is most commonly found in semi-desert, foothills, and woodlands. It prefers dry, sandy soils and is grazed by both livestock and wildlife. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and presents a risk to livestock in sufficient quantities.