Viper's bugloss is native to much of Europe but has spread beyond its original range. Currently, viper's bugloss is found in temperate areas across various continents, including parts of North America, Africa, and Asia. It has also been introduced to regions in the Southern Hemisphere, exemplified by Australasia and South America. Viper's bugloss can adapt to various climates which has facilitated its cultivation globally.

Viper's bugloss is a toxic plant affecting both cats and dogs upon ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and even tremors or seizures. Contact dermatitis can occur from the plant’s small hairs, causing skin irritation. Immediate veterinary care is crucial after any exposure to viper's bugloss to ensure the well-being of the pet.

Viper's bugloss is native to Europe and northwest Asia. It roots in pastures and roadsides throughout USDA zones 3 to 8. It is considered invasive in over eighteen countries, including Australia, Russia, Belarus, South Africa, and the United States. In the U.S., the plant is considered invasive in Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and West Virginia. In such areas, viper's bugloss forms strands that inhibit the growth of native vegetation. Contact may result in dermatitis, and repeated ingestion may poison livestock over time due to the plant's pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Viper's bugloss reseeds quickly, but, if necessary, the flowering spikes can be removed to inhibit proliferation.

The best time to remove or restrict viper's bugloss is before it sets seed, ideally in the spring or early summer. This ensures the plant does not spread uncontrollably.