Stems are slender and erect or ascendingly branched.
Annual. Stem erect; leaf petioles slender, 3/8 to 1-1/4 inches long; leaves 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long with serrate edges often tinged with red. Flowers are male or female; female flowers terminal; male flowers axillary; flower petioles 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches.
Habitat
Can be found on benches of stream beds. Prefers moist or shaded areas but can also be found along roadsides, in ditches and on over-grazed land.
Flower Characteristics
Stamens and pistals in separate flowers in terminal and axillary spikes. Stamens to 1/4 inch long. Terminal pistillate to 2 inches long. Has 3 compact, distinctive red, thread-like styles. Bracts beneath pistillate flowers often appear purplish.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stipulate. Leave stalks are 3/8 to 1-1/4 inches long. Leaves are from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long by 1/4 to 1-1/4 inches wide.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Very small, 1/16 to 1/4 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. Bristled towards the apex.
Ovoid, less than 1/8 inch long. Gray or brown and finely pitted. 3 seeds per capsule.