First true leaves are lance-shaped with a slight notch at the tip. Seedlings are very smooth and the plants remain smooth. Common waterhemps are slender and willowy plants with many branches. Plants vary greatly in size, from knee high to eight feet tall. Stems and leaves are very smooth and hairless with a bright, glossy appearance.
Leaves are long and narrow.
Seedheads are long, slender and smooth. Male and female plants are found in approximately equal numbers. Bracts short, 0.5-2.5 mm. Tepals usually 1, but often absent. Bracts short, 0.9-2.8 mm.