Seedling
Cotyledons narrow, grass-like, hairless, lengthening to reach 1 to 2 inches. First true leaves opposite (later alternate), needle-like, round in cross section, soft, pointed at tips, as long or longer than cotyledons.
Mature plant
Stems are erect, branched, bushy, 1/2 to 4 feet tall at maturity. Stems green, often with striped red lines, rough, with stiff hairs.
Leaves are opposite initially, becoming alternate. Young leaves soft and needle-like, up to 2 inches long. Older leaves short, stiff, lanceolate with sharp spine on tips, only 1/4 inch long, stalkless.
Root structure description
Taproot.
Flowers
Green to pink, without petals, small, in upper leaf axils. Flowers beginning early July, with mature seed by mid-August. Seed are spread when the stem breaks from the roots at maturity, and the entire plant is blown about, scattering seed.
Post senescene
The bush-like plant often turns reddish at maturity. The plant "skeletons" are often seen caught up on barbed-wire fences.
