Annuals, 30-70(-90+) cm. Cauline leaves ± scattered over proximal ¹/4-¹/2(-³/4) of plant heights, inter­nodes mostly 4-10 cm; lobes mostly linear to filiform, sometimes ± oblong, 25-50(-120) × 0.5-1+ mm. Calyculi of 6-7+ narrowly triangular bractlets 2-4 mm. Ray florets 8; laminae yellow to golden, usually proximally, sometimes almost wholly, suffused with red-brown or with a red-brown spot or band, 10-20+ mm. Disc corollas red-brown, throats shorter than lobes. Cypselae 5-5.5+ mm; pappi 0.5-1+ mm. 2n = 20.

Flowering Mar-Jul. Disturbed sites on sands; 0-200 m; Tex.

Distinctions between Thelesperma nuecense and T. filifolium are subtle; they may be better treated as one species.