An erect summer annual that is prevalent in lawns during spring periods. It is most abundant during rainy periods. The leaves are alternate, light green, ovate in outline, with petioles that reach 1/2 inch in length. Leaves have wavy margins and hairs that occur along the veins of the lower leaf surfaces. Pigweed's roots are very shallow. The roots often grow in thatch rather than in the soil. The shallow taproot  is often, but not always, reddish in color.