It is native to Europe but has become naturalized in parts of North America.

In Canada, it grows in British Columbia, Québec, and Nova Scotia.

The species is considered a noxious weed in Washington state.

[2] The plant can be found growing in the fields, roadsides and forests, and usually in well-drained soil.

[2] English: New England hawkweed, European king devil French: épervíère de Savoie[3]