The clusters of tiny reddish flowers and the leaves (up to 2 in.) shaped like spear heads characterize the sheep sorrel, a perennial weed. Sheep sorrel grows up to one foot in height.

Sheep sorrel seeds are favored by songbirds; Assateague's deer and cottontails enjoy the leaves.

The photos were taken in mid-May. The plant is found in both the marsh (map) and thicket areas on Assateague.