This tall annual has been a common agricultural weed in eastern states, but it has now declined. First recorded in Ky. during 1880-1893 (M), it was "one of the unquestionably dangerous plants" in 1914, due to its toxic saponins (Gm). Gm noted: "it grows among small grains and not among corn (maize). It is frequently seen also along roadsides and in fence corners." However, in 1943 B added: "no longer common." Today, it is widely scattered but generally infrequent to rare. The decline has presumably been due to changes in agricultural practices.