Smooth hawksbeard is native to Europe, where it can be found growing along waterways, in disturbed locations, or in open areas. This plant has spread throughout the Americas, South Africa, and Oceania. It has been listed as invasive in the state of Alaska as well as in over a dozen countries.

Smooth hawksbeard originates from Europe, but is now widespread across North America. Classified as a weed, it proliferates rapidly due to its proficient seed production and distribution ability. In gardens, it poses a serious threat as it competes aggressively with cultivated plants for nutrients, sunlight, and space, often outperforming them due to its superior adaptability. Given its vast root system, it is incredibly difficult to eradicate completely. Add to that, each plant can produce up to 4000 seeds, each capable of effective dormancy, leading to infestations when conditions are favourable. Its seed dispersal is primarily windborne, meaning it can spread across large distances, making containment even harder. It can also spread vegetatively from root fragments, posing a continual issue for gardeners.

The best season to remove smooth hawksbeard is during late spring to early summer, i.e., May to June. It is most manageable when the plant is in its flowering stage but before it reaches the point of bearing seeds, as it can reproduce quite rapidly.