Plant Description
Shrub with many erect branches, smooth oblong leaves and sticky, smooth stems.
Not hairy, generally sticky; stems erect, up to almost 10 feet tall; branches ascending, somewhat broom-like, branches have 5 ridges or nerves. Leaves are present at flowering time. Leaves are short stemmed. Styles are encased in fruits.
Habitat
Found near stream beds, sandy flood plains and alkaline marshy areas, prefers moist soil.
Leaves
The leaves are oblong to slightly elliptic, 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, coarsely and few-toothed. Upper leaves narrower, often smooth margined (without toothed margins).
Flowers
Flower heads unisexual, disk flowers only, solitary or in lateral, small loosely branching clusters at tips of branchlets.
Fruit
Fruit cylindrical, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, smooth, 8 to 10 fine but distinct ribs, topped with silky white or tan bristles to 1/2 inch long.