Annuals, 30-70(-120+) cm. Cauline leaves ± scattered over proximal ⁹/10 of plant heights, internodes mostly 35-100+ mm; lobes mostly linear to filiform, sometimes oblanceolate, (10-)25-45+ × 0.5-1(-2) mm. Calyculi of 7-9 linear to narrowly triangular bractlets 4-6(-8) mm. Ray florets 8; laminae yellow, 12-20+ mm. Disc corollas yellow, often with red-brown nerves, throats shorter than lobes. Cypselae 4-5 mm; pappi 0.5-1.5+ mm. 2n = 18, 20.

Flowering May-Jun. On sands, post-oak savannas; 100-200 m; Tex.

Differences between Thelesperma flavodiscum and T. filifolium are subtle; they may be better treated as one species.