A perennial, herbaceous species, the plains ragwort blooms from late June to early September, although the peak flowering period is usually around mid-July to August (4) (6). Flowering typically occurs first in the warmer, inland parts of its range, and slightly later in cooler habitats (6).
The fruit of the plains ragwort ripens soon after flowering. When ripe, the seeds of the fruit usually fall near the parent plant, although many seeds are borne by wind or water and may be carried some distance away before settling (6).
There is very little other information on the biology or ecology of this species, although the plains ragwort has been noted to have a close association with certain other plant species, including balsam fir (Abies balsamea), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), wild rose (Rosa acicularis), showy mountain-ash (Sorbus decora), speckled alder (Alnus incana), red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), American yew (Taxus canadensis), wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) (4).