Subshrub, pale sometimes shreddy bark; stems from woody bases, long spreading hairs on stems and leaves; leaves mostly 4 (sometimes 2) in whorls along stems; numerous small flowers in dense elongated clusters.
4-angled stems; leaf lateral veins short, distinct, midrib prominent, tip pointed; flowers yellow, numerous in elongated clusters, not closely subtended by bracts, perfect (male and female flower parts); fruit hairs soft, white, not fleshy at maturity.
Habitat
Base of steep cliffs and in rock crevices. Known only from Central Arizona.
Flower Characteristics
Numerous small perfect (male and female) flowers in dense elongated clusters; sepals small; petals hairy on outside; petal tips short to moderately long.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Narrowly to broadly oval, hairy, narrowed at base, to 1/4 inch long; stipule leaves a little smaller than true leaves; mostly whorls of 4 (sometimes 2), along stems.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruits occur in pairs, fleshy round; short, straight hairs; 2-celled.