The leaves of bearded beggarticks are alternately arranged, pinnately or bipinnately dissected, with lanceolate segments that are toothed or lobed along the margins. Each leaf is green and has toothed or lobed edges. The undersides of the leaves are covered with fine hairs, providing a distinctive texture. Leaf segments typically measure up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length and are characterized by a central vein pattern that extends into the lobes.

Bearded beggarticks features numerous solitary flower heads, each held on a long stalk. The flower heads measure 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across and consist of 6-8 bright yellow ray florets that encircle yellow disc florets at the center. These vibrant flowers bloom from August to October, creating a striking display. While the florets are bright and attractive, their arrangement and size are key identifiers for bearded beggarticks. The overall flower structure is relatively simplistic yet elegant, making it easily recognizable.

Bearded beggarticks features 4-angled stems that are purplish or mottled, providing a distinctive appearance. The stems can be smooth or sparsely pubescent, offering a slightly varied texture. Typically, the stems are thin, rarely exceeding 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in width, and exhibit occasional branching. Their notable angular shape and coloration make them identifiable at a glance. These physical characteristics are crucial for distinguishing bearded beggarticks and understanding its unique morphology.

The fruit of bearded beggarticks is an achene, exhibiting a slender, barbed form that aids in adherence to passing animals for seed dispersal. Typically, the fruit measures approximately 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm) in length, featuring two to four conspicuous barbs at the apex. Its texture is firm and dry, while the color matures to a brownish hue upon ripening. These achenes are often found in clusters, adding to their ready attachment to fur or feathers and subsequent spread.