Fiddle dock is native to various regions that span the Mediterranean basin, parts of the Middle East, and some territories in the northern and southern tips of Europe. The species has also been introduced to continents including South America, North America, Asia, Oceania, and to a lesser extent, Africa.

Fiddle dock is mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Contact can cause dermal reactions, while ingestion leads to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain due to oxalic acid. Animals may show gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation. Immediate veterinary care is vital for pets exposed to fiddle dock. Caution is advised to prevent accidental ingestion or contact with the plant.

Fiddle dock hails from the Mediterranean region. This plant is classified as a weed due to its aggressive growth patterns and its detriments to other plant species. In particular, fiddle dock has a fast growth rate and can reproduce both sexually, through seeds, and vegetatively, through root cuttings. Its ability to thrive in various soil conditions and light levels makes it hard to control. The plant has a strong root system that allows it to draw water and nutrients away from neighboring plants, often causing damage or death to the ones nearby. An individual fiddle dock can produce thousands of seeds, which can remain viable in the soil for many years. This contributes to its invasiveness and persistent recurrences. Fiddle dock's primary means of spread is through its seeds, which are easily dispersed by wind, water, and animals. The seeds can also be unintentionally spread by humans, e.g, through gardening tools or soil.

The best season to remove fiddle dock is in early spring, before the plant flowers and sets seeds, which is crucial to prevent it from spreading.