The flower head has a base of overlapping green phyllaries which form a cup to hold several small white ray florets.

Additionally, beach layia is self-compatible (i.e., able to be fertilized by its own pollen), is capable of self-pollination, and is visited by a variety of insects that may assist in cross-pollination .

Typically, the total vegetation cover in both communities is relatively sparse, and many annual species, including beach layia, colonize the space between established, tufted perennials.

Beach layia can also occur in narrow bands of moderately disturbed habitat along the edges of trails and roads in dune systems dominated by invasive species.

The achenes (a small, dry, one-seeded fruit that does not open to release the seed) have pappus (feathery bristles) that allow them to be carried by wind for a short distance.

The overall resource needs that beach layia requires in order for individuals to complete their life cycles and for populations to maintain viability are: (1) Sandy soils with sparse native vegetation cover, (2) Rainfall during the winter germination period, (3) Sunlight (full sun exposure for photosynthesis), and (4) Unknown degree of crosspollination (to add to genetic diversity).