Etymology: Mollugo: an old name for the genus Galium and transferred to this genus in the family Aizoaceae possibly because of the similarly whorled leaves, and now placed by Jepson in its own family, the Molluginaceae or carpet-weed family
Plants: matting, annual, 1'-1 1/2' wide, smooth, repeatedly branched forb
Leaves: whorls of 3-8 leaves
Flowers: white to greenish, 5-parted, 1/8"-2/5" wide, petals small and often missing; inflorescence of 2-5 stalked flowers from each node; blooms June-Sept.
Fruits: oval capsule
Habitat: dry to moist; disturbed sites, dunes
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key