Succeeds in most well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. The plant tolerates stony or gravelly soils as well as both acid and alkaline conditions. It grows well in a short lawn. This is an aggregate species that contains a number of very closely related species.

Leaves - eaten raw in salads or pickled for winter use. The plant is rarely eaten nowadays.

Seed - sow autumn in situ. The seed is best sown in dry weather.

Arable and dry stony ground and old walls on acid and basic soils.