Most fruits are not dispersed beyond the vicinity of the parent plant, and a mat of lodged fruits can develop in the existing vegetation. Clinging burrs have the potential to be transported great distances. Overwintering leaves die shortly after new shoots begin to develop. Petiole bases of dead leaves persist for at least 3 years. Open, disturbed, well-drained sites, including stable dunes, open scrub, grassy areas, and trampled sites in coastal habitats where some summer moisture is available and frosts are infrequent.
Plants thrive on poor soils and compete poorly with established vegetation.
Most seed heads fall near the parent plant, but some may disperse to greater distances with human activities and by clinging to shoes, clothing, and the feet, fur, or feathers of animals. Plants produce large numbers of seed. Seed harvested from immature green burrs does not germinate or mature. Mechanical damage of mature plants encourages stolons to produce new shoots. Flower heads cut before fruits mature do not produce viable seed.