Distribution: Widely distributed on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington, but more common west of the crest; Alaska to California, east across most of North America to the Atlantic Coast.

Habitat: Prairies, balds, fields, roadsides, wastelots, and other disturbed areas at low to middle elevations.

Flowers: March-July

Origin: Introduced from Europe

Growth Duration: Annual

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Bees, flies

Copiously glandular-pubescent annual, the 1-several erect to decumbent stems branched, 1-3 dm. long.

Basal and lower cauline leaves spatulate to obovate, opposite, 8-15 mm. long and up to 8 mm. broad, tapered to the petiole; middle and upper cauline leaves larger, ovate to obovate, sessile.

Flowers numerous, in tight clusters in an open inflorescence; pedicels shorter than the calyx; sepals 5, 4-5 mm. long, stiff-hairy; petals 5, white, equal to the sepals; stamens 10; styles 5.

Capsule cylindric, twice as long as the calyx.