This tall biennial from Europe is a widespread weed across temperate North America, especially on disturbed ground. In Ky. it has been common since early after settlement. In the central Bluegrass, Short (1828-9) noted: "Everyone is familiar with this very common plant, which though originally introduced is now but too thoroughly naturalized among us... Abundant in old fields, stony grounds, and washed hill-sides.." Rafinesque (1936, 1:31) even expressed uncertainty about its naturalized versus native status in North America.