Horse nettle originates from the Gulf States of the USA. It produces many seeds, already from a small piece of root (> 2 cm) a new plant can form. In Austria it was first discovered in Styria in 1998. The reproductive organs (rhizomes) of horse nettle are sensitive to frost, therefore it is found so far only in some regions of Styria and Carinthia.

Climate changes leading to higher temperatures in summer and fewer frost days and lower maximum temperatures in winter benefit the horse nettle. Current distribution models show that climatically favorable regions are located in the south and in the north (parts of the Danube valley) of Austria.