Subshrubs 10-15(-23) cm. Stems branched mostly in proximal ³ / 4 (leaves numerous, crowded, internodes averaging 2-3 mm), finely stipitate-glandular or nearly glabrous. Leaf blades linear, 1-2.5 mm wide, bases attenuate, not clasping, margins involute, entire, faces puberulent and/or minutely stipitate-glandular. Peduncles 2-14 cm. Involucres 8-12 × 10-16(-20) mm. Ray florets 4-14; corollas white. Style-branch appendages ± equal stigmatic lines. 2n = 12.

Flowering May-Jul. Barren slopes in alkaline clay, pinyon-juniper; of conservation concern; 1400-2300 m; Utah.

Xylorhiza confertifolia is known form Garfield and Kane counties.