Perennials or subshrubs, (20-)30-80+ cm. Cauline leaves ± scattered over proximal ¹/2-³/4 of plant heights, internodes mostly 40-100 mm; lobes mostly linear to filiform, sometimes oblanceolate, 20-40(-50+) × 0.5-1(-2.5) mm. Calyculi of 3-5+ ovate to oblong bractlets 1-2(-3) mm. Ray florets 0. Disc corollas yellow, often with red-brown nerves, throats shorter than lobes. Cypselae 5-8 mm; pappi 1-2(-3) mm. 2n = 22, 44. Flowering (Apr-)May-Oct. Disturbed places on sands or clays, oak/juniper woodlands, desert scrub, yellow-pine forests; 300-2900 m; Ariz., Ark., Colo., Kans., Nebr., N.Mex., Okla., S.Dak.. Tex., Utah, Wyo.; Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila); South America. Thelesperma megapotamicum sometimes persists after plantings outside its natural range in the flora area and may become established (e.g., in California).

Plant: Perennial forb with slender, weak stems 30-60 cm Leaves: leaves opposite or whorled, pinnately parted into a few narrow lobes, appearing linear Flowers: flowers golden, lobes of the corollas linear-lanceolate; pappus of two triangular hispid teeth.