[explorer.natureserve.org] Conservation status: Oxytheca watsonii is known from three occurrences in Inyo county, California. Kartesz (1988) reported that it was infrequent to rare in four Nevada counties, although numerous populations had been found throughout the deserts within its range. Recent information on Nevada populations is not available. In California, sites are threatened by grazing and recreational use; in Nevada, Monzingo (1980) indicated that a proposed missile system threatened this taxon. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)

[eflora.org] Description: Plants erect to spreading, 0.5 to 2.5 × 0.4 to 4 dm. Stems glandular throughout. Leaf blades spatulate or obovate to oblanceolate, 0.7 to 4 by (0.1-) 0.5 to 1.2 cm, strigose adaxially, less so abaxially, sparsely glandular on both surfaces. Inflorescences open to densely branched, 0.5 to 2 dm; bracts 1 to 5 by 0.5 to 3 mm, 3 (-5) at first node and linear to ovate, otherwise distinct or basally connate and linear to triangular, ciliate and glandular; awns 1 to 3 mm. Peduncles deflexed, stout, 0.2 to 0.5 cm at proximal nodes, sometimes absent. Involucres 1.5 to 2 mm, typically glabrous, rarely with few scattered hairs abaxially; teeth 4; awns reddish, 2.5 to 3 mm. Flowers 2 to 4 (-7); perianth white to pink, 1 to 1.5 mm, strigose and sparsely glandular abaxially; tepals dimorphic, entire, those of outer whorl oval to ovate and strigose abaxially, those of inner elliptic to oval or ovate and glabrous or sometimes pubescent adaxially at base; filaments 1 to 1.5 mm, glabrous; anthers cream to red, oval, 0.2 mm. Achenes dark brown to maroon, 1 to 1.5 mm. 2n = 40. Flowering Jun to -Oct. Sandy flats and slopes, saltbush communities; 1200 to 2000 m; Calif., Nev. Oxytheca watsonii is an uncommon species known only from scattered locations. The name was misapplied in pre1980 California floras to Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)