Annual bluegrass is native to Eurasia and northern and eastern Africa, where it grows in disturbed, moist areas. With a now nearly worldwide distribution, it is widely considered invasive or weedy throughout much of the world, even in Antarctica.

Annual bluegrass is native to temperate Eurasia but has been introduced to much of the rest of the world. It is considered a nuisance within its native range and invasive outside of it. This large range is partially due to high phenotypic plasticity, which allows annual bluegrass to adapt more readily to a variety of habitats. Additionally, each plant can produce thousands of seeds annually that can be spread by livestock, birds, wind, water, and clothes/boots. While a variety of herbicides have been shown to be effective in controlling annual bluegrass, some populations have evolved resistances. Thus, a rotation of different herbicides can be more effective. Alternatively, hand pulling can be effective at controlling small infestations, while mulching can also help suppress weed development.

The best time to manage annual bluegrass is before it sets seed in late spring or early summer. It's crucial to take action during or before this growth stage to prevent the plant from spreading.