Old flower heads may persist on the stems. Often associated with overgrazing. Grows best on deep clay soils. Does not tolerate heavy shade. Throughout low elevation areas of California, except Great Basin and desert regions.
Some seeds disperse to greater distances with water, soil movement, animals, and human activities.
Most seeds germinate after the first rains in fall, but some germination can occur year round under favorable conditions. Field observations suggest that most seeds survive about 5 years under field conditions. One-year old plants sometimes flower, but most plants do not flower until their second year. Individual plants often live for many years. A large portion of the taproot of hand-pulled plants must be removed, otherwise plants will regenerate.