Weed Habitat 

• Disturbed and cultivated areas, such as roadsides, vacant allotments, heavily grazed pastures, crops and lawns
• It grows on a wide variety of soils, and can stand considerable shading

Description 

• A low sprawling, perennial plant growing about 15-45cm high
• Its round, often woody stems are reddish brown or purple and have short, curved prickles
• Leaves are dark green, feather-shaped and sensitive to touch
• Flowers are pale pink or purplish in fluffy balls, about 1cm across
• Seed pods 2-3cm long with stiff bristles along edges