Significant collections are deposited at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado. The species has this status wherever found including the State of Colorado. CO Natural Areas Act, Ch. 471, Sec. This species has minor value as a forage plant for livestock. Osterhout grows on barren exposures where the Coalmont Formation forms outcrops of sandy soil or ledges containing pockets of sandy soil.
Vegetative cover is very low.
Commonly associated species belong to Mentzelia, Chrysothamnus, Oryzopsis, Arenaria, Eriogonum, Penstemon, Rosa, Phlox, and Artemisia. Phacelia formosula is the most conspicuous species where it occurs. The area is considered rangeland. Precipitation comes as snow in winter and rain during summer convective storms. Soils are Lithic Torriorthents.