Moderately dense mats to 20 inches in diameter; leaves and stems finely hairy to hairless; stems red-brown; tips of stems spreading to ascending, green among dense vegetation in the shade. Petal-like appendages absent in flower clusters.
Single clusters of 2 to 5 male or 1 female flower main stems, congested on side branches, styles 2-parted; leaves oblong, smooth, maybe toothed at apex, bases asymmetrical; stems hairy; fruit capsules hairless, bright green, red striped; seeds ridged.
Habitat
Desert slopes, washes, playas and flats.
Flower Characteristics
Flower clusters lacking petal-like appendages.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves oblong, margins smooth, may be toothed toward their tips, bases asymmetrical, reddish blotch near the center; leaves and stems minutely hairy.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsules hairless, bright green, red striped, pendulous.
Seeds ridged.