Serruria fasciflora is widespread across flats and mountainous areas from the West Coast, as far north as Hopefield and south to the Cape Peninsula, to the Outeniqua Mountains in the east. On the Cape Peninsula it is common on the lower slopes and sands of Muizenberg. It has an extremely variable habitat, and occurs between sea level and 600 m (2000 ft) altitude. It can cope with windy, hot and dry summers and cool wet winters, but does not tolerate frosts. Serruria fasciflora is specifically adapted for pollination by flies, as they have a very sweet scent. The common pin spiderhead survives the regular wildfires in fynbos through its seeds. The fruits fall to the ground about two months after flowering. These have a fleshy covering (or elaiosome) that secretes a pheromone and attracts ants. Native ants collect the fruits and carry these to their underground nests. Here the elaiosomes are eaten and the seeds remain underground until they germinate when conditions are favourable.