Scleranthus annuus

Common Name: 
knawel, German knawel, German knotgrass
Scientific Name: 
Scleranthus annuus L.
Family Name: 
Caryophyllaceae - Pink Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
introduced winter annual (sometimes summer annual), reproducing by seed
Stems
prostrate and low sprawling, much branched, form dense mats
Stems of Knawel
Stems of Knawel
Stems of Knawel
Stems of Knawel
Stems of Knawel
Leaves
opposite, linear or awl-shaped, leaves pairs at 90 degree angle to pairs above or below, sessile, entire, somewhat prickly, smooth, tip sharp pointed, thin clear membrane joins leaf base
Leaves of Knawel
Leaves of Knawel
Flowers
5-sepaled, inconspicuous, petals absent, green with thin lighter colored margins, very small, sessile; axillary clusters tight
Flowers of Knawel