carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata)
non-native, weed
picture taken in june
carpetweed is a flat weed that most commonly grows in the cracks in pavement - it's a parking lot weed! it likes sandy and compacted soil and full sun, and holds up well to being stepped on. it grows outward horizontally to form flat circular(ish) mats.
apparently carpetweed uses an unusual - possibly unique? - type of synthesis that is described as being "intermediate between" the two typical types (C3 and C4). i don't know what that means, but it is neat!
i find its leaves very charming! they have a groovy 1970s graphic design flower sort of shape.
carpetweed looks very similar to catchweed, but can be distinguished in a few ways! catchweed is sticky and hairy, grows vertically, and its tiny flowers have four petals; carpetweed is smooth, rarely grows upward, and its tiny flowers have five petals.