An erect leafy plant, branching mostly in the upper portions. Small yellow flowers crowd together in elongated, showy clusters at the top of stems.
Petals pale yellow to 1/4 inch long with filaments about a 1/2 inch long. Leaflets mostly 5, sometimes 7.
Habitat
Along streams and in other moist areas; sandy flats; desert plains; weedy roadsides.
Flower Characteristics
Flowers have 4 petals, each about 1/4 inch long, and 6 yellow stamens that are longer than the flowers. Clusters can appear rounded in appearance particularly when young.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves on the lower part of the plant consist of leaflets that are lance shaped to 2-1/2 inches long. Small, singular upper leaves occur on the flowering stems.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Slender pod 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long, on long arched stalk jointed at middle.
Rough, rounded seeds.