Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hooker) Shinners var. paradoxa B. L. Turner & R. L. Hartman, Wrightia 5: 314. 1976; Haplopappus spinulosus (Pursh) de Candolle var. paradoxus (B. L. Turner & R. L. Hartman) Cronquist

Perennials, (15–)30–60 cm, often woody proximally or at crowns. Stems erect to spreading, branching in proximal ¹ / 3 – ² / 3 ; mid internodes 5–20+ mm. Leaves relatively sparse, crowded proximally, mostly spreading to loosely ascending, often reduced distally, margins pinnatifid to 2-pinnatifid, lobes linear, 2–5 mm, often toothed, faces glabrous or puberulent, stipitate-glandular. Heads mostly borne singly. Peduncles short [elongate], 2–15 cm, leafy. Involucres 15–25+ mm wide.

Flowering spring–summer. Rocky to sandy slopes, washes, disturbed areas; 1400–1700 m; Colo., N.Mex., Utah.