It is native to central Europe,[1] and has been introduced to temperate North America and Australasia, where it is usually regarded as a noxious weed due to its fast spread, hardiness and competitive potential.

[4][5] Centaurea nigra boasts high nectar and pollen production relative to other British perennial meadow flowers.

In its native range, C. nigra can therefore greatly improve biodiversity values and ecosystem services, such as pollination, when planted with a variety of other forbs, for example on field margins.

[7][8] In its introduced range, C. nigra is often considered a weed because it excludes native vegetation and can reduce agricultural potential.

[2] In Australia and New Zealand, C. nigra is known to invade grasslands, wastelands (e.g. railway lines, roadsides, waste areas) and agricultural lands.