A low, spreading plant with long stems that have small, oblong leaves in rows along the stem. Leaves usually display a dark purple splotch at the center. When broken, leaves and stems exude a milky sap that can cause a skin rash. Inconspicuous flowers are tiny and white to pinkish and appear in round clusters at the leaf axils along the stem. Flowers and reseeds rapidly, within a few weeks of germination. can be found in disturbed areas throughout the U.S. including lawns and gardens, roadsides, and sidewalk cracks, preferring dry, sandy or graveley soils. Plants are shallow-rooted and come out easily via hand-pulling, hoeing.