General:
Annual herb from a taproot; stems decumbent to erect, freely branched, 0.1-1.0 m tall/long.

Leaves:
Lower leaves opposite, upper leaves alternate, stalked or stalkless, lanceolate to oblong or rounded, 2-10 cm long, the bases smooth or toothed, covered with a whitish mealy substance when young but becoming glabrous and greenish with maturity.

Flowers:
Inflorescence of terminal or axillary spikes or panicles; pistillate bracteoles only slightly thickened basally or not at all, largest ones strap-shaped or narrowly egg-shaped, 4-12 mm long.

Fruits:
Membranous pericarps; seeds erect, 1.5-2.7 mm long.

Source:  The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia