Etymology: Scleranthus: from Greek scleros, "hard," and anthos, "flower," from the extremely hard hypanthium or calyx tube
Plants: spreading annual, to 6" tall, bushy, wiry forb; stems with many forks
Leaves: opposite, growing together at the base, linear, pointed
Flowers: greenish, tiny, 5-parted, mostly stalkless, no petals, pointed sepals with thin whitish edges; inflorescence a tight, branched cluster; blooms June-Sept.
Habitat: disturbed areas

Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.