Found in light, porous, fertile, well-drained, often calcareous soils in warm areas. Inceptisol soils are susceptible to invasion in western Canada. Reproduction Biennial forb, reproduces by seeds. Lateral root sprouting may result in rosettes that remain attached to parent, but expansion is dependent on seeds. Flowers August through September.
Plants are self fertile, and also cross-pollinated by insects.
Short pappus and weight of the seed keep dispersal distances relatively short. Seeds generally fall within a 3-12 dm radius of the parent plant. Seeds dispersed by livestock, rodents, vehicles, in hay or commercial seed. Seeds may germinate over a wide range of soil depths, soil moisture contents, and temperatures. Seed dormancy may be induced by exposure to light.