Spreading hedgeparsley is native to northern Africa, western Asia, and Europe. It has been introduced to the US and select countries in South America and Africa. Its natural habitat is in prairies, thickets, and disturbed areas. This plant has been listed as invasive in five states within the United States as well as at least 12 other countries throughout the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

Native to Eurasia, spreading hedgeparsley has spread throughout the United States and southern Canada. It is considered invasive in California, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and is banned in some areas of the United States without established populations. It spreads easily by bristly seeds carried by wildlife, birds, and human boots/clothes. It tolerates a variety of conditions and grows readily in disturbed areas, agricultural fields, and forest margins, outcompeting native species. Pulling, mowing, or grazing before flowering in the late spring can prevent the spread of spreading hedgeparsley. Herbicide can be applied to cut plants to discourage regrowth.

The best season to control 'spreading hedgeparsley' is in late spring to early summer, this is when the plant is in its early to mid-growth stages. It is optimal to remove it before the plant reaches its flowering stage to prevent seeding and spreading. Here are some methods for controlling this plant: