aka Western Groundsel, One-stemmed Butterweed. A single flowering stem ranges in size from 8″ – 28″ (20 – 70 cm) crowned with a compact cluster of numerous yellow flowerheads. A distinguishing characteristic is that the phyllaries (bracts of the involucre) are black-tipped (see photo detail). The basal leaves are larger and lance-shaped, or spoon-shaped, which are hairy when young but become hairless with age. Leaves alternate on the stem and become smaller as they go up the stem. Usually found on slopes, ridges and open forest above 6,000′ elevation.