This is a cosmopolitan weed of warmer regions, perhaps originating from Central America (Cr, W). It is locally abundant in old barnyards and similar eutrophic places with much influence of livestock. The status of stramonium in North America remains somewhat uncertain, but it is often considered to have been introduced with the early settlements in Va. Based on early records, it appears to have became abundant in Ky. within 10-15 years after settlement during the 1770s. Most or all plants in Ky. are referable to var. tatula (L.) Torr., but that taxon may not be worth recognizing.