Shepherd's purse is a weed growing in most of North America, along with Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and East Africa. It is considered a nuisance in fields, lawns, gardens, and cultivated areas, and is classified as invasive in several western states including California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah, along with Maryland and Virginia in the east. There is some toxicity if eaten for persons with high blood pressure or heart disease. It also invades many kinds of crops. The seeds can remain viable in the ground for several years, making this invasive plant challenging to eliminate. Removal methods include soil tillage and the application of herbicides.