undershrub

Seeds subglobose, roughened or reticulated, not carunculate.—Erect herbs or undershrubs, with purplish juice, and alternate usually stipulate leaves.

The floor of the redwood forest in our northern coast counties is often carpeted with this little undershrub, while in other places one can wade waist-deep in it.

It is an undershrub, the stem of which is compressed and angular below, and armed with prickles at the angles.

When I say undershrubs, I mean that such is their present appearance. 

Small undershrubs, producing bright yellow flowers in profusion in July and August; 2-4 ft.