Acourtia nana  Desert Holly
PERENNIAL.  A low-growing plant, usually 25 cm tall or less. Large prickly bluish-green leaves appear in early spring, dry to pale tan or papery white in summer, and remain on the plant until the following year.  Pink flowers in April-May, blooming one or two at a time on each plant.  In the Empires, common on sandy desert flats, often under shrubs or yuccas.  Acourtia wrightii has similar flowers but is much taller, with many flowers on each plant.
FAMILY:  Asteraceae (Sunflower or Composite Family)