Stems trail and then ascend. Stems have stiff hairs; leaves have soft short hairs on the underside. Flower head is a round cluster of flowers.
Annual, stems trailing and then ascending, up to about 8 inches long; leaves alternate, 3 leaflets, margins can be serrated; flowers yellow or white in mostly dense head-like clusters; fruit pods small persist on stems.
Habitat
Prairies and disturbed areas.
Flower Characteristics
Flower head cluster of 8 to 14 flowers; flower with whorl of 5 sepals, lobed, 1/4 inch long; tube 1/16 inch, hairless, lobes unequal; petals to 1/4 inch long; banner not clawed; 2 wings to 1/4 inch long, clawed, clinging to wings; stamens 1/8 inch long.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems < 1/16 inch, stiff hairs; leaves fan outward from end of stem, blades broadly oval or initially folded upward from midrib, 1/4 inch long 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide, base tapered, upper surface hairless, lower surface short hairs, margins can be serrated.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Oval, opening spontaneously along upper edge to release seeds (dehiscent).
Smooth, brown or black, 2 to 6 seeds.