Sepals 2-3 mm, not enlarging in fruit. Capsules cylindric to cylindric-ovoid, not significantly broader at base (walls nearly straight). Seeds ca. 0.4 mm. 2n = 20 (Europe).

Flowering spring-summer. Roadsides, open, sandy or rocky, disturbed sites; 0-400 m; introduced; Ark., D.C., Fla., Ga., Ky., La., Miss., Mo., N.C., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Va.; Europe; w Asia; n Africa; introduced in Australia.

Variety tenuior is to be expected elsewhere.