This white flower was seen on the BLM land just west of Arches National Park in Utah in late April. The NPS key points to either Cisco Woodyaster or Silvery Townsendia but no hints are give as to distinguishing between them. Which is it? or is it something else.
More like the Cisco Woodyaster (Xylorhiza venusta syn.Machaeranthera venusta). Townsendia is very low, 2-6 cm high, and has semi-folded leaves, whereas Machaeranthera is 10-40 cm tall and had flat leaves. http://www.nps.gov/arch/naturescience/asteraceae_xylorhiza_venusta.htm http://www.nps.gov/arch/naturescience/asteraceae_townsendia_incana.htm