Although this plant is primarily a Western weed, it has slowly become a problem in some of the Eastern states. It thrives from Minnesota southward to Texas and across the rest of the Western area. This annual forms a mat-like growth and its branches spread from six inches to two feet. It crowds out desirable grasses and avoids damage from mowing. Leaves are bright green, shiny, broad across the center and mostly rounded at the tip. The spreading stems are whitish-pink and fleshy. Small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers are found on spikes that rise from the junction of leaf stem and branch. Prostrate pigweed is a heavy seed producer.