Plants 5–15(–25) cm. Stems erect to ascending, sparsely branched from bases, smooth. Leaves: proximal blades narrowly lanceolate to linear, 40–100 × 2–6 mm, ± lax, glabrous; cauline not reduced to scales (mostly 10+ mm). Heads 2–6, borne singly. Involucres cylindric, 18–25 mm × 5–7 mm, apices narrow. Phyllaries 5–6. Florets 5(–7); corollas pale pink to white. Cypselae 10–13 mm, abruptly narrowed below apex, faces rugose, adaxial strongly sulcate. 2n = 18.

Phenology: Flowering May–June.
Habitat: Arid grasslands on sandy soils
Elevation: 1100–1600 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Ariz., Colo., N.Mex., Utah.

Discussion

Variety arizonica is identified by its relatively short size (rarely over 20 cm), branched, leafy stems, and reduced or absent phyllary apical appendages.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.