Haplopappus tortifolius Torrey & A. Gray, Boston J. Nat. Hist. 5: 109. 1845 (as Aplopappus); Machaeranthera tortifolia (Torrey & A. Gray) Cronquist & D. D. Keck

Subshrubs, 20–60(–80) cm. Stems branched mostly in proximal ³ / 4 , ± piloso-villous, stipitate-glandular. Leaf blades lanceolate to elliptic-oblong or oblanceolate, 3–20(–25) mm wide, bases often subclasping or sometimes attenuate and not clasping, margins flat, sharply spinulose-toothed, faces loosely villous or glabrous, stipitate-glandular. Peduncles 5–25 cm. Involucres 12–20 × 15–20(–30) mm. Ray florets (15–)18–60(–85); corollas usually lavender, seldom white. Style-branch appendages shorter than stigmatic lines.

Varieties 2 (2 in the flora): sw United States.