Gangotra is an erect annual herb, growing to 20-50 cm high. Branched, grooved stem has soft hair covering it. The whole plant is strongly aromatic. Laternately arranged stalkless leaves are toothed, covered with soft hair, and 3-12 cm long. Flowers occur in corymbs at the end of branches. Flower heads are 5-8 cm across, and purple in color. Widespread in Himalaya (Kashmir to Bhutan), Assam, India, Burma, Thailand, Indo-China, China.