Buttonweed is a small creeping plant, with long straggly stems that can cover extensive areas but grows to only to 2cm high. Leaves are fern-like and feathery. Flowers are small, pale yellow and appear to be fluffy at their tops. The seed capsules are probably what it is named for; they are pale green, round and have a pattern on the top rather like buttons.
Found on damp marshy ground by streams, on coastal greens and wet sands by coasts. With its spreading roots it is difficult to clear from gardens where it is an invasive weed.
Buttonweed is also found in neighbouring Argentina and Chile.
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