Erect and stemless; leaves originate from a crown at the base of the plant; a winter annual; leaves lie flat on the ground in a rosette before spring growth.
Annual; leaves few to many, basal, short stemmed, narrow at base, pointed at tip, sparsely hairy, distinctly 3-veined, may have widely-spaced teeth on margins; flowers whitish, in cylindrical spikes; sepals short, pointed; seeds dark red.
Habitat
Rocky or sandy soils, grasslands, disturbed areas, common in shrub-lands.
Flower Characteristics
Spikes 3/4 to 16 inches; stalks to 1 inch long; hairy; bracts spear-shaped to broadly triangular; 1/16 to 1/4 inch long oval sepals; thin, dry margins; long, stiff hairs; petals erect; enclosing capsule, lance-shaped, 1/16 to 1/8 inch.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Basal; stalks often reddish at base; blades lance-like, narrow at base; to 4 inches long and to 3/4 inch wide; lightly hairy; 3 veins; margins smooth or toothed with 2 to 4 teeth; tip tapering to a point.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Oval; to 1/4 inch long.
2 seeds; 1/16 inch long, about 1/16 inch wide; breaking at middle.