Rough buttonweed prefers to grow in dry barren soils (old mine area in this case) where it doesn't have much competition.

The flower is only about 3/16 inch wide and 1/2 inch long. At base of the flower some bristles can be seen. The color can vary between light pink and lavender.

Here you can see those bristles along with a developing seed pod. The name buttonweed comes from the small hard button-like seeds that are contained in the pod.