[1][3] This plant grows in dry habitat types, such as desert grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and chaparral.

The region experiences a bimodal pattern of precipitation, with rainy seasons occurring in November through April and again during the summer.

Sheep fed parts of the plant have been noted to experience impaction of the rumen and liver toxicity.

In an experimental setting the plant also appears to be toxic to rats and chukar partridges, resulting in symptoms such as loss of coordination and diarrhea when the seeds were ingested.

Native American groups have eaten the fruit, used the stalks as a vegetable, and ground the seeds into flour for bread.