Common beargrass is native to western North America, where it is planted as an ornamental, collected for floral arrangements, attracts pollinators, and is foraged by wildlife. However, it tends to become weedy due to its able to spread and regrow from its rhizome following disturbances. It can flower in cycles or sporadically, allowing it to adapt its reproduction to site conditions. Furthermore, it tolerates a variety of soil, light, and climate conditions. It is also too tough to be palatable to most grazers. The ability of common beargrass to grow and spread from its rhizomes means that the entire plant must be removed by mechanical methods or killed by chemical methods in order to be controlled effectively.