Subshrubs [shrubs], (10–)20–30+ cm (sometimes rhizomatous). Leaves cauline; alternate [opposite]; ± sessile; blades linear to filiform (usually ± terete), margins entire, faces glabrous (not gland-dotted). Heads discoid, borne singly [in corymbiform arrays]. Calyculi 0. Involucres obconic. Phyllaries persistent, [30–]45–60 in [2–]4–5 series (distinct, lance-linear, unequal, outer shorter, all resin-nerved). Receptacles conic, paleate (paleae falling, linear, flattish or weakly conduplicate, scarious, resin-nerved). Ray florets 0. Disc florets [25–]60–150+, bisexual, fertile; corollas yellow, tubes shorter than or about equaling campanulate to cylindric throats, lobes 5, deltate; anther thecae pale; stigmatic papillae in 2 lines. Cypselae columnar to clavate, 8–15-ribbed, glabrous; pappi 0 [bristles].

Genus 1, species 2 (1 in the flora): sw United States, Mexico.

Varillinae may be allied with Clappiinae (H. Robinson 1981) or with Jaumeinae (P. O. Karis and O. Ryding 1994).

Lower Taxon

• Varilla A. Gray