The plant wavy bittercress is predominantly found in regions of Europe and North Africa, marking its native range. It has spread to various continents including Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania. Wavy bittercress has been introduced to a notable variety of ecosystems across these continents. In certain areas of Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, wavy bittercress is sometimes thought to be having an impact on local ecosystems due to its invasive potential. Despite its reach, the implications of its presence are not uniformly detrimental and vary by region.

Wavy bittercress is a small, winter annual weed originating from Europe. Recognized as a nuisance in many gardens, its weed status is based on its robust ability to produce and disperse a high number of seeds, facilitating rapid colonization of new areas. These seeds are forcefully ejected when touched or even by the wind, spreading over a sizeable range and making eradication challenging. This ability allows it to dominate within garden spaces swiftly, often out-competing original plant species and altering the ecosystem balance. Moreover, as it propagates in cooler months, it often gets a foothold before other spring plants get a chance to grow, causing potential loss of productivity and diversity in gardens. The primary method of spread for wavy bittercress is through seed dispersal, thus, immediate removal upon identification is paramount to prevent further spread.

The best season for removing wavy bittercress is late winter or early spring before it has a chance to flower and set seed. Here are a few different methods for controlling or removing this plant: