Branched, diffuse or ascending annual 1–3 dm, glandular-puberulent; lvs elliptic-oblong to oblong-spatulate, 1–3 cm, narrowed to the base, glandular-denticulate; stipules lanceolate, glandular-ciliate; fls 1–3 in the axils on pedicels 1–3 mm; sep lance-acuminate, 2.5–3 mm, scarious-margined, rough on the keeled midnerve; pet oblong, shorter than the sep; stamens usually 5; fr globose, 2 mm; seeds 0.3–0.5 mm. Muddy or sandy shores; s. Ill. and Kans. to Wash. and Calif.