Strange Weed Needs Identifying

[SilentJim]

Hello,

This thing sprouted a few months ago, and I’ve been trying to figure out what it is ever since. I have consulted several books, and even online weed identification websites, but still cannot identify it. I thought it might be wild onion or garlic, but it has no onion or garlic smell when cut. I live in Arizona, and we had a hot, dry summer, but the spot it is growing in stays very muddy. I’ve never seen anything like it after years of pulling weeds.

The plant is 36” high, and the leaves are 5/16” across. The leaves have miniscule ridges, and the edges are smooth, not serrated. The surface of the leaf is also smooth, with no hairs. It has not produced flowers yet.

The roots go at least 6” deep, and the shoots are connected by some kind of rhizome. The last picture is of the small sprout on the right in the first picture.

The only reason I haven’t dug it up is because I’m curious as to what it is. I look forward to your response.