Flowering stems and inflorescence branches tomentose.

Flowering Jun-Oct. Sandy to gravelly washes, flats, and slopes, saltbush and sagebrush communities, pinyon and/or juniper woodlands; 1300-2500 m; Calif., Idaho, Nev.

Variety praebens is encountered infrequently over its scattered range in California (Inyo, Lassen, Los Angeles, Mono, Plumas, and Sierra counties), Idaho (Blaine and Elmore counties), and Nevada (Carson City, Douglas, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Storey, and Washoe counties).