It is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced elsewhere, such as the western and eastern parts of the United States, as an ornamental plant.

[8] A. aestivalis has been used in European folk medicine to treat weak hearts by stimulating cardiac activity.

This results in an accumulation of the red pigment in the flesh and skin of the fish, giving it a reddish colour that is palatable to consumers.

[13][12] However, if the entire flower is used, as opposed to just the extract, mortality may occur due to the toxic compounds present.

[10] Typically, A. aestivalis is not consumed by livestock as it is unpalatable and feed contaminated with the plant is usually refused.

[citation needed] However, poisoning of livestock may be more common as it contaminates the fields harvested for hay and other animal feed.

acute-toxicity study with ewes, no clinical signs or life-threatening symptoms were observed but the long-term effects are unclear.

[16] Similarly, a small, acute-toxicity study with calves did not show life threatening symptoms but minor cardiac abnormalities and gastrointestinal issues were observed.