OregonFlora species comparison

prostrate to erect, branched, occasionally simple.

alternate;

blades ovate to linear; flat;

midveins extending to short spine or awn at tip;

margins entire; flat or crisped;

tips acute, obtuse or rounded;

petioles present.

terminal and axillary spikes or panicles with flowers densely clustered, or rarely axillary with solitary flowers;

bracts leaf-like, often spine-tipped.

unisexual, staminate and pistillate flowers typically distinct;

perianth segments membranous or scarious.

perianth segments (2)3–5, scarious;

stamens (1)2–5;

filaments free.

perianth segments (1)3–5;

ovules 1;

styles 0;

stigmas 2–3, persistent.

utricles; ovoid to obovoid, usually smooth;

walls thin and membranous.

lenticular to ± spherical, usually dark reddish brown to black; smooth; shiny.