Outer phyllaries: chartaceous bases deltate to ovate, 2-5+ mm, herbaceous tips usually ± erect to spreading, narrowly triangular to attenuate, 10-20 mm, margins (± ciliate) and faces ± coarsely hispid.

Flowering May-Aug. Desert sands, sandstones, ridges, washes, juniper woodlands; 1100-1600(-2600) m; Colo., Utah, Wyo.