Froelichia gracilis is an annual C4 herb (Downton 1971), to 70 cm tall, stems slender, to 0.2 cm diameter, appressed white-hairy, usually with divergent basal branches.
Leaves opposite mostly on lower part of stem, linear to 8 cm long.1 cm wide, densely silky-hairy on both sides.
Flowers very small, in 3 row spirals along whitish wooly spikes 1-3 cm long, 6-10 flowers per cm, late season stems often pink-red.
Fruit dry, wooly flask-shaped, winged, to 0.5 cm long; blooms and fruits July-Sept.
Wetland status: UPL.
Frequency in NYC: Infrequent.
Origin: Midwestern USA.
Habitat: Dry, sandy soil in open areas.