Erect annual herb to 40 cm but generally to 20 cm, with 2 or more stems from the base. Leaves of stem alternate, obovate, 10-15 mm long, 5-10 mm wide, stalk to 8 mm long, those of fertile branches opposite, ovate. Floral head mostly of 3 branches, each branch 2-forked 3-5 times. Cyathia 1-1.5 mm long, stalked with ovate, fringed lobes. Flowers mostly in spring but also year round. A common garden weed, also found in all states on disturbed ground.

Eurasia.

Source: Forster, P. (2002). Euphorbiaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.