It is usually a problem weed in new forage stands in central to northern Alberta. The seeds germinate soon after they fall to the ground if moisture is available. The rosette leaves vary in shape from oval to somewhat linear. They can be distinguished from stinkweed rosettes by the presence of a milky sap.
Rosettes resume growth very early the following spring.
Overwintered seed can also germinate at this time. Figure 1 shows the adult plant and seed. Plants form a slender, branched, leafy stem that contains a milky juice. Upper stem leaves are more linear shaped, stalkless and sometimes clasp the stem with small pointed lobes. The small seeds are dark purplish-brown when mature.