Simple branching, erect or ascending, stems with short stiff hairs lying flat along the stem and gland-like stipules (small leaf-like growths at base of leaves), leaves mostly opposite; flowers without petals.
Erect annuals, mostly opposite branching; symmetrical, toothed leaves to 3 inches long, clustered near top of plant; cup-shape of fused bracts (cyathium) without petal-like appendages; very reduced male flowers, 1 female flower; seeds not sharply 4-sided.
Habitat
Dry plains and hills. Can grow as a weed in disturbed places.
Flower Characteristics
Male flowers and 1 to 4 female flowers borne in cup-shaped bracts (cyathia), clustered at branch tips, without petal-like appendages.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Mostly opposite, (lower ones sometimes alternate), lance-shaped, to 3 inches long, margins shallowly toothed or smooth.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Ovaries hairy, capsules with flattened hairs.
Seeds not sharply 4-sided, gray to black.