Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; British Columbia to California, east to the Rocky Mountains and across the northern U.S. and Canada to the Atlantic Coast.

Habitat: Common in dry to moist areas, lowlands to middle elevations in the mountains.

Flowers: June-September

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Annual

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Bees, flies

A highly variable, simple or freely-branched, erect annual 1-4 dm. tall.

Alternate and numerous along the stem, linear to oblong, lanceolate or even ovate, 1-5 cm. long, sessile, jointed at the base, reduced to bracts above; stipules sheathing, 5-15 mm. long, lacerate.

In loose, elongate racemes and in the leaf axils, 1-4 flowers per node, on pedicles 1-4 mm. long, soon reflexed; perianth 2.5-5 mm. long, the segments greenish with white, pink or reddish margins; stamens 8, occasionally fewer.

Achene with three sharp angles, black, smooth and shining, about 3 mm. long.