This annual is widespread across southeastern states along alluvial shorelines and in the edges of fertile fields. Its relatively small flowers are usually white but colls. from BRAC (KNK), HARR (JC), HICK (MUR) and elsewhere have pink-purple flowers, referable to forma purpurata Fern. That form may be more frequent than typical plants in some parts of the Bluegrass region. An obscure hybrid origin has been suggested for purpurata; see review of Y. Without flowers, this species can often be identified from its tendency to angulate lobing of leaves; also plants tend to be relatively smooth, low or sprawling, and occur in damp places.