[1][2] It is indigenous to a range of regions spanning Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to other parts of the world where it is cultivated for various purposes.

In the United States, it was notably introduced to California from Turkey in the 1940s, initially as a forage crop to support animal agriculture.

Today, it has become a widespread roadside weed in California, sometimes considered invasive, adapting well to the local climate and soil conditions.

Rose clover is often cultivated as a cover crop, providing various ecological benefits such as soil stabilization and nitrogen fixation due to its leguminous nature.

While Trifolium hirtum has benefits as a cover crop and fodder, its introduction to non-native areas has sometimes led to it becoming invasive, potentially disrupting local ecosystems and outcompeting native plant species.