Leaves somewhat rigid, the basal being largest, petioled, and often early-deciduous. Roots tend to be rather superficial, but can reach over 6' deep Flower a rather rounded, compact, branched terminal panicle of small, congested flowerheads. Growth is poor on gravel and dense clay, fair on sand and clay, and good on sandy to clayey loam. Grows poorly on strongly acidic and saline soils, though it shows tolerance of weakly acidic to moderately basic and weakly saline soils. Pioneers disturbed sites, but also tolerant of partial shade.
Plants often shed basal leaves after flowering begins.
Seeds mature about 6 weeks after flowers bloom. If plants are damaged they make variable regrowth in the summer until seed maturation. Produces numerous small, wind-dispersed seeds which can establish in the open, sunny conditions created by fire. However, has good survival from fire, especially on damper sites and in the dormant state, due to persistent rhizomes and rootstalk. Flowerheads used by flies, bees, butterflies, and beetles for pollen and nectar.