This summer annual was first documented in North America as early as 1950, but it was in the 1990s that it became a widespread weed in greenhouses and flower beds across much of the eastern U.S.A. (Penny & Neal 2003, Vincent 2004). It has also become locally established in the wild on eutrophic soils, especially along woodland roads and trails, edges and streams (e.g. in Clark State Forest of se Ind.). In Ky. it is locally frequent on disturbed ground in urban areas of FAYE, JEFF and other locations, mostly documented by R. Thompson for BEREA since 1990. Germination mostly occurs in mid- to late May. Plants are inconspicuous but can begin to flower within 1-2 months after germination, when only 3-5 cm tall; flowers often appear at the first node above cotyledons. Plants can survive some mowing or browsing, then with spreading low branches that produce inflorescences at each node. Rabbits appear to have high preference for this species in urban yards, sometimes reducing stands to a carpet only 10-20 cm tall. There is also some history of human consumption in East Asia (e.g. Mase et al. 2016); indeed, JC has made much use of cooked greens with this species, if chopped finely after stems are carefully removed. Inflorescences usually contain 5-20 unisexual flowers, with males mostly peripheral. Seeds are explosively expelled (FNA 3). The overall overall growth-form and habitat of F. villosa is similar to Acalypha ostryifolia, which is often associated although perhaps more drought-resistant. However, the Acalypha appears to be untouched (wisely) by rabbits.