Haplopappus occidentalis H. M. Hall, Publ. Carnegie Inst. Wash. 389: 214, fig. 72. 1928; Lessingia occidentalis (H. M. Hall) M. A. Lane

Leaf blades 20–80+ × 3–15+ mm. Phyllaries ± lanceolate, 1–10 mm. Ray laminae 5–7+ mm. Disc corollas 4–5+ mm. Cypselae 3–4 mm; pappi 3–4 mm. 2n = 10.

Flowering Jun–Nov. Serpentine outcrops and clay slopes; 300–1000 m; Calif.

Benitoa occidentalis is known only from the inner South Coast Ranges, southern San Benito County, and adjacent Fresno and Monterey counties.