Beak slender, 5-6 mm long , not including the pappus which consists of many equal, fine, white bristles about 5 mm long. Disturbed soils of roadsides, croplands, especially irrigated grain fields, semi-arid pastures, rangelands, and residential properties. Grows best on well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in climates with cool winters and hot, relatively dry summers without prolonged drought. Severe infestations are less common on heavy clay soils. Reproduces only by clones produced vegetatively from adventitious buds on roots and asexually by apomictic seed .
Seeds primarily disperse with wind, but also by water, animals, and human activity.
Seeds lack dormancy and can germinate within 24 hours under optimal conditions. Seed germination and new bud growth begin in fall after first rains in mild winter areas or early spring in colder climates. Seedling emergence is reduced in water saturated or heavy clay soils and during drought conditions. First year plants on deep sandy soil can produce viable seed earlier. Can develop from rosette to seed maturity in 1 month.