Coatbuttons is a plant with a native range predominantly in the tropical Americas, including Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It has been widely introduced to other tropical and subtropical regions on continents such as Africa and Asia as well as some Pacific Islands, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse climates.

Coatbuttons is a perennial plant, originally from the tropical regions of Central America. Despite its attractive yellow flowers, it is considered a weed due to its robust and prolific nature. Specifically, it reproduces rapidly, producing numerous seeds that remain viable in the soil for a long time, leading to its continued proliferation even when the adult plants are removed. This plant's hardiness and ability to survive in various conditions contributes to its weed status. It can disrupt the growth of other, more preferable plants in gardens by outcompeting them for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Hence, it can significantly alter the biodiversity of the environment, making it unwanted in most gardens. The main way coatbuttons spreads is through its seeds. These seeds either fall near the parent plant, leading to localized infestations, or are carried off by wind or animals to new locations, causing the weed to spread over large areas.

The best season to remove coatbuttons (Coatbuttons) is in late spring or early summer, before the plant has an opportunity to flower and seed. This is vital as it prevents further propagation.