This prostrate, spreading annual hugs the ground and becomes especially unsightly in closely mowed lawns. Its creeping stems may vary in length from a few inches to several feet. Leaflets are very similar to clover and black medic, but occasionally have whitish and dark red spots across the surface. Stems are round and smooth. Yellow-orange flowers are gathered in very loose clusters. Seed pods appear spirally twisted and are covered with hooked spines, or barbs. These "burs" attach themselves to almost any moving thing, and are easily transported to a new seeding place.