Subshrubs, 15-30 cm. Stems glabrous. Leaves: basal absent at flowering; cauline blades 1-nerved, linear to filiform, 0.5-1 mm wide, reduced distally. Heads borne singly or (sessile in glomerate clusters of 3-5) in loose arrays. Involucres narrowly campanulate (lengths ± equaling diams.), 3-4 mm diam. Phyllary apices flat. Ray florets 4-9; corollas yellow, 2.3-4(-5.4) mm. Disc florets (8-)10-12(-17). Cypselae 1-1.2 mm, faces densely strigoso-sericeous (hairs ± twisted, apically attenuate); pappi of 1-2 series of oblanceolate scales 0.5-1 mm. 2n = 8.

Flowering Apr-May and/or Aug-Oct. Grasslands, Larrea flats; 400-1200 m; Ariz.

Common Name: late snakeweed

Duration: Perennial

Nativity: Native

Lifeform: Subshrub

General: Subshrub 15-30 cm tall with herbaceous, green stems sometimes slightly woody at base, stems glabrous.

Leaves: Single-nerved, linear to filiform, reduced near the uppermost portion of the stem, basal leaves absent at flowering.

Flowers: Heads borne singly or in sessile in clusters of 3-5, presented in loose arrays. Involucres narrowly campanulate, 3-4 mm diameter and high, (generally equal in length and width). Rays yellow, 4-9, discs 10-12.

Fruits: Cypselae 1-1.2 mm, faces densely strigose with twisted, pointed hairs, pappi in series of 1-2 of oblanceolate scales.

Ecology: Found in grasslands and Larrea flats, 1,500-4,000 ft (457-1219 m); flowers April-October.

Notes: The 3-4 mm involucres that are generally equal in length and width are the key to this species.

Ethnobotany: Specific use of species unknown, but uses for the genus include an infusion of the plant taken as a ceremonial emetic and to treat digestive disorders.

Etymology: Gutierrezia is named for Pedro Gutierrez (Rodriguez), a 19th century Spanish noblemen and botanist.

Synonyms: None

Editor: LCrumbacher, 2011