Disturbed places, roadsides, railways, cultivated fields, yards, waste places, walk ways. Grows best on dry sandy soils, but tolerates most soil types. Intolerant of freezing temperatures. Prevalent in areas with hot summers and dry soils. Nutlets disperse by adhering to tires, shoes and clothing of people, fur, feathers, and feet of animals.
Germination requires warm temperatures.
The largest seed in a nutlet is usually the first to germinate. Other seeds may germinate or remain dormant depending on moisture availability. Buried seed can remain viable for several years. Seedlings emerge early spring through summer, often in flushes following increased soil moisture. Seedlings develop a deep root system in a few weeks, and flowers may be produced within 3 weeks, burrs within 6 weeks.