Ixitixel (eigene Arbeit, selbst fotografiert) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Burclover is a shallow-rooted annual legume that generally has numerous prostrate stems branching from the crown and spreading outward 6 to 30 inches. Where thick stands develop, however, stems may become erect, obtaining heights of 18 to 24 inches in favorable years. The leaves are subglabrous and clover-like in appearance, with leaflets normally wedge-shaped and toothed toward the top. The inflorescence is usually quite limited, presenting only a few small, yellow, pea-like flowers. The several-seeded fruit is a flattened, coiled pod, commonly up to 1/4 inch in width and fringed with a double row of conspicuous, hooked spines. Well developed plants may produce more than 1,000 pods. The seed is rather large for a legume of this type, usually developing to over 3/32 inch in length.

Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Forest & Kim Starr [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons