Chaenactis stevioides (desert pincushion) ( )

This annual differs from the related Fremont's pincushion by its cream or yellow (rather than white) flowers and by having hairy, flattened leaves rather than glabrous, fleshy ones. It is a common component of wildflower mixtures on desert plains and broad washes, blooming from mid-February to the end of April. Its densities can vary fiftyfold on the same spot, between wet and dry years. Although short-statured, pincushion plants sprinkle much color into desert grassland and chaparral openings, peaking around early March in the low desert and later at higher elevations. "Arizona Highways Presents Desert Wildflowers, 1988".