Machaeranthera shastensis A. Gray, Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 6: 539. 1866; Aster shastensis (A. Gray) A. Gray; M. canescens (Pursh) A. Gray var. shastensis (A. Gray) B. L. Turner

Annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials. Stems 1+, ascending to erect, canescent, sometimes sparsely stipitate-glandular; branches ascending (curved, flexible). Mid leaf blades lanceolate to oblanceolate. Peduncles equaling or longer than involucres. Involucres narrowly to broadly turbinate, 6–10 mm. Phyllaries in 3–5(–7) series, appressed, spreading, or reflexed, apices often canescent, stipitate-glandular. Ray florets sterile or 0. Cypselae sparsely appressed-hairy. 2n = 8.

Flowering Aug–Oct. Grasslands, pine forests, sagebrush scrublands; 1200–3400 m; Calif., Nev., Oreg.

Variety shastensis is found in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and adjacent intermountain regions