Grows best on light, well-drained soils in cool, moist climates. Seldom tolerates high water tables or acidic soils. Grows in grassland, woodland, and dune communities in native range. Also gardens, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, landscaped areas, agricultural lands. Grows best on moist, fertile soils.
Plants die during extended dry, hot periods.
Populations are adaptable to many environmental conditions. Grows on scree in mountainous regions of native range. Reproduces by seed and vegetatively from roots . Seeds dispersed by wind usually travel only a few meters. Seeds can survive ingestion by birds.