Devil's beggarticks is native to almost the entire northern hemisphere. It has been introduced into Australia, Morocco, as well as in New Zealand. It grows in wet, disturbed areas like floodplains or drainage ditches; human activity often helps it grow. It is considered invasive in Alaska and as a weed generally elsewhere.

Native to North America, devil's beggarticks has spread throughout much of Asia and Europe as well as Morocco, New Zealand, and French Guinea. It is defined as invasive or a weed by several countries as well as the state of Alaska and is treated as a weed in its native range. It is also considered to be one of the most widely spread invasive species in China. Devil's beggarticks was originally introduced to some places as an ornamental plant, but its seeds can spread easily by water or by attaching to clothes or fur. It can outcompete and hybridize with native species. Hand pulling plants or herbicides may offer effective means of controlling devil's beggarticks.

The best season for the removal of devil's beggarticks is late spring or early summer, before the plant flowers and sets seeds. This will prevent future generations of seeds from germinating and re-establishing the population. Here are some methods for removal or control: