[1] Saccharomyces paradoxus is mostly isolated from deciduous trees (oak, maple, birch), and in some rare occasions on insects and fruits.

[3][11] Accordingly, its biogeography is mostly marked by natural processes like limited migration,[3] glacial refugia[12] and adaptation to climate.

[10] At least four genetically and phenotypically distinct populations of Saccharomyces paradoxus have been identified, corresponding to main geographical divisions: Europe (including West Siberia), Far East Asia (Japan, Eastern Siberia), North America (North American East and West coasts, Great Lakes region) and North-East America (Gaspé Peninsula, Saint Lawrence Valley and Appalaches), respectively.

[3][11] Some strains from the European population are found in North America and New Zealand and likely result from recent colonization events.

[12][13] Like in other Saccharomyces species, heterothallism can be restored using standard genetic tools, to obtain stable haploid strains for experimental purposes.