Hoary plantain is a plant with a natural distribution spanning regions of Europe and Asia. It has since been introduced to parts of North and South America, as well as northern territories. The plant has effectively adapted to various environments beyond its original range, establishing itself in temperate zones across several continents.

Hoary plantain is originally from Europe and Western Asia, and is a hardy perennial plant characterized as a weed due to its fast and aggressive spread. What makes it problematic is its strong genetic adaptability to thrive in adverse conditions, and its ability to mature swiftly and produce copious seeds. These seeds, once dispersed, colonize areas rapidly, becoming a nuisance to garden enthusiasts by choking out desired plants and altering the aesthetic beauty of gardens. Hoary plantain has an additional survival strategy where its deep taproot system enables it to withstand droughts and outcompete other shallow-rooted plant species. The primary means of its spread is seed dispersal where the seeds are carried by wind or water over large distances. The seeds can also hitch a ride on animals or human clothing, thus infiltrating new areas and making it quite tricky to control its spread.

The best season for the removal of hoary plantain is spring. It's crucial to remove it before it reaches the seeding stage to prevent chances of re-infestation.