A cabbage family herb. It is an annual plant. It grows 5-50 cm high and spreads 10-30 cm wide. It often has purple tinges near maturity. The stems have slightly prickly hairs. The leaves vary. The leaves near the base are 10 cm long and divided along the stalk. Leaves on the stem are smaller and simple. They can clasp the stem. There are teeth along the edge. The flowering stalks are elongated. The flowers are very small and lack petals. There are usually 4 stamens. The fruit is dry and long with 2 sections. It is about 0.5 cm long by 0.4 cm wide. There are wings on the upper half and it has prickly hairs.