Townsendia gypsophila

Perennials, 2-10 cm (± pulvinate to dendroid). Stems ± erect; inter- nodes 0.1-1+ mm, densely piloso-hirsute to hispidulous (surfaces usually hidden by hairs). Leaves basal and cauline, blades ± spatulate or oblanceolate to linear, 4-9(-25) × 1-2(-3) mm, ± fleshy, ± strigose. Heads ± sessile. Involucres ± hemispheric to campanulate, 3-6 mm diam. Phyllaries 22-26 in 3-4+ series, the longer ± lanceolate, 3-4 mm (l/w = 2.5-5), apices acute, abaxial faces ± strigillose. Ray florets (4-)12-16; corollas white or pinkish adaxially, laminae 3-5+ mm, glabrous abaxially. Disc florets 40-60; corollas 2.5-3+ mm. Cypselae 2-2.5 mm, faces hairy, hair tips glochidiform; pappi persistent; on ray cypselae 12-15 lance-subulate scales 0.1-0.5 mm; on disc cypselae 12-15+ subulate to setiform scales 2.5-3+ mm.

Flowering Apr-Sep. Gypsum outcrops; of conservation concern; 1600-2100 m; N.Mex.