A small, aster-like perennial, Xylorhiza tortifolia (family Asteraceae (Compositae)), with purplish to white ray flowers and a yellow disc, which is found chiefly in the Mojave and Colorado deserts; also called desert aster.
Origin
1930s.
Definition of Mojave aster in US English:
Mojave aster
noun
A small, aster-like perennial, Xylorhiza tortifolia (family Asteraceae (Compositae)), with purplish to white ray flowers and a yellow disc, which is found chiefly in the Mojave and Colorado deserts; also called desert aster.