[1] It is native to parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, and it is known on other continents as an introduced species, including North and South America and Australia.

[3] This species is an annual herb with simple or branching stems usually growing up to a metre tall,[4] or sometimes taller.

[1] This species resembles kochia (Bassia scoparia), but it has longer, hairier flower spikes.

By 1921, it was noted in the Central Valley of California, and by 1940, it was present from British Columbia to Wyoming and had established in eastern North America.

The seeds are probably dispersed when the spiny dry fruits catch in animal fur and feathers, and human activity such as road maintenance may aid their spread and establishment.

While it has been known to displace native flora at times, it is more persistent than competitive; it simply tolerates stress better than many other plants.

The plant could be controlled with herbicides, akin to kochia and Russian thistle infestations, but it has rarely required such a treatment.