Natural habitat types include dunes, pannes, coastal headlands and grasslands.

In North America it is commonly found in the dry, gravelly soil of roadsides, pastures, and meadows.

It can be identified by its leaves, which are small and linear, measuring up to 4 cm (1.6 in) long by only 1 to 2 mm (1⁄32 to 3⁄32 in) wide.

This plant is considered a noxious weed in many places, including Colorado in the United States.

Biological pest control methods have been attempted, involving the release of several European insect species in North America.