It is native to Mexico and is also an introduced weed in many temperate and tropical regions of the world.

[1] It can grow up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in height and has a sticky yellow sap.

It can be found as an introduced species in Western Australia,[2] New Zealand,[3] the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, the Indian subcontinent,[4] South Africa,[5] and Arizona in the southwestern United States.

[1][6] It has become invasive in Australia, Africa, tropical Asia, New Zealand and a number of oceanic islands.

It is often a problem in agricultural land, but also has the potential to outcompete native species and decrease biodiversity.