Photos: © D.E. Tenaglia

missouriplants.com

This diminutive annual is found growing summer and fall on sunny and barren soils. The plant is very unassuming but easily identified by its wiry stems, tiny yellow flowers and citrus-like scent when crushed. The flowers have 5 regular petals and appear at the end of the branches that are only 3 to 10 inches high. The tiny scale-like leaves are opposite but most people would think there are no leaves at all. The fruit are red conical capsules distinctive of this plant’s family. If you see it next summer be sure to crush and smell the stems!