This creeping, spreading perennial is often a turf problem in western states. Its stems are either flattened along the ground, or slightly upright and it spreads by creeping rhizomes. Leaves are composed of three apple-green, heart-shaped leaflets and are sour and bitter to the taste. They are occasionally tinged with purple and covered with soft fine hairs. Flowers are small with five conspicuous, bright yellow petals. They may be solitary or in groups of 2 to 6. Seed capsules are shaped like a miniature cucumber. They have the ability to throw ripe seeds a number of feet in all directions.