This annual, or biennial, with its spreading prostrate stems forms a strong rosette. The two members of this family that persist in turf are "red stem filaree" and "white stem filaree". These plants are very similar. Leaves are hairy, dark green and average about one inch in length. White stem leaves are slightly toothed, while those of red stem are deeply dissected. Flowers of both plants are small, with five petals and a bright rose-purple color. As flowers mature, a seed capsule is formed in the shape of a stork with a long bill. When completely ripe, light and moisture cause this bill to twist, coil and uncoil. This process actually makes the seed plant itself in the soil.