gravel ghost/Atrichoseris platyphylla

Gravel Ghost as it is called in Death Valley, is also called Tobacco weed, and Parachute Plant. It is a member of the sunflower family. Flat rosette basal leaves, and tall spindly stems, but very self supporting.

Death Valley averages around 2 inches of rain a year, but the Furnace Creek area has received over 6 inches of rain since July, 2004 making it the wettest season on record.
When I was there February 21 thru 23, it was still adding to this total. Death Valley usually barren, is like a tropical paradise this desert spring 2005