Perennials or subshrubs, (5-)15-30(-35) cm (stems erect to pendulous often densely leafy); usually densely short-hairy. Leaves: petioles 2-8 mm; blades usually broadly deltate-ovate, sometimes subovate or subcordate, 5-18(-25) × 4-18(-20) mm, (bases truncate) margins usually ± serrate, rarely laciniate. Heads borne singly or (2-10) in corymbiform arrays, 6-7 × 4-6 mm. Peduncles 4-25 mm. Involucres campanulate. Phyllaries 13-20, linear to narrowly or broadly lanceolate, 4-5(-6) × 0.8-1.3 mm. Ray florets 0. Disc florets 23-35(-48); corollas yellow, tubes (1-)1.2-1.6 mm, throats tubular to narrowly funnelform, 1.2-1.6(-2.2) mm, lobes 0.3-0.7 mm. Cypselae narrowly oblanceolate, 2.5-3.3 mm, margins obviously calloused, minutely hairy; pappi 0 or of 1(-3) moderately stout bristles 2-2.8(-4.1) mm plus callous crowns. 2n = 32.

Flowering spring-fall. Rocky slopes or crevices in limestone or sandstone rock faces; of conservation concern; 600-2700 m; Ariz., Nev., Utah.

Similarities of Perityle tenella to P. congesta are discussed under the latter. Perityle tenella occurs in northwestern Arizona, southeastern Nevada, and southwestern Utah.