Annuals, 30-40(-70+) cm. Cauline leaves crowded to ± scattered over proximal ¹/2-³/4 of plant heights, internodes mostly 5-40(-60+) mm; lobes mostly linear to filiform, sometimes oblanceolate, 5-25(-45) × 0.5-1(-2+) mm. Calyculi of 5-6(-9) linear to narrowly triangular bractlets 2-4 mm (margins hispido-ciliate). Ray florets 8; laminae wholly red-brown to purplish or mostly red-brown with distal margins yellow to orange, 7-9(-12+) mm. Disc corollas red-brown to purplish, throats shorter than lobes. Cypselae 3.5-4 mm; pappi 0.5-1+ mm. 2n = 18. Flowering Apr-Jun. Disturbed sites on sands; 10-200 m; Tex. Thelesperma burridgeanum may be a color-form of T. filifolium.