Stems densely branched, mostly forming low broad clumps, 0.9-3 dm; branches terete, spreading or ascending, proximal ones to 30 cm, obscured by clavate unicellular trichomes. Leaves sessile or some petiolate; blade elliptic to ovate, oval, or lanceolate, 8-35 × 5-18 mm, base narrowly cuneate, margin entire, grayish scurfy. Flowers in mixed axillary glomerules. Fruiting bracteoles substipitate, ovate to obovate or suborbicular in profile, 5-6 × 5-6 mm, compressed or some thickened, margin deeply and acutely dentate, faces naked or covered with few to numerous appendages. 2n = 36. Flowering summer-fall. Saline valley bottoms, with shrubby saltbush, creosote bush, mesquite, and annual weedy grasses and forbs; elevation not known; Calif., Nev.