The plant is endemic to Ash Meadows, in the Amargosa Desert directly east of Death Valley National Park.

It is thought to be a ruderal species, producing many tiny seeds that spread about and sprout up in disturbed habitat in a weedlike manner.

These remaining populations are directly threatened by alterations in the hydrology of the area, as water is the limiting factor for the species.

This and other rare plants, including many Ash Meadows endemics, are declining there because the water table is dropping due to groundwater pumping.

This plant would probably be plentiful in pristine conditions, considering its having once been widespread and its ability to grow like a weed in many kinds of local moist habitat.