Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray var. ambigua B. L. Turner, Phytologia 60: 77. 1986

Annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials. Stems 1+, ascending to erect, canescent, sometimes sparsely stipitate-glandular; branches ascending. Mid leaf blades lanceolate to linear. Peduncles equaling or longer than involucres. Involucres broadly turbinate, 8–12 mm. Phyllaries in 5–10 series, usually appressed, sometimes spreading, apices densely appressed-hairy, usually eglandular, sometimes sparsely stipitate-glandular, then obscured by appressed hairs. Ray florets pistillate, fertile. Cypselae glabrous or glabrate. 2n = 8.

Flowering Aug–Oct. Grasslands and pine forests; 1300–2600 m; Ariz., Colo., N.Mex.