Aster canescens Pursh var. aristatus Eastwood, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 2, 6: 296. 1896; Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray var. aristata (Eastwood) B. L. Turner; M. rigida Greene

Annuals or biennials. Stems 1+, erect, stipitate-glandular, sometimes also canescent, rarely glabrous; branches divaricate to ascending. Mid and distal leaf blades linear-lanceolate to linear (lengths 4+ times widths). Peduncles equaling or longer than involucres. Involucres campanulate to broadly turbinate, 6–10 mm. Phyllaries in 3–6 series, appressed, spreading, or reflexed, apices sparsely to moderately stipitate-glandular, rarely canescent. Ray florets pistillate, fertile. Cypselae sparsely to moderately appressed-hairy. 2n = 8.

Flowering Aug–Sep. Grasslands, sagebrush scrublands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, pine-oak woodlands, often in washes and streambeds; 1000–2700 m; Ariz., Colo., N.Mex., Utah.