A shrub originating from the Mediterranean region across southern Europe, southwest Asia, and northwest Africa, it thrives in sunny locations on dry, sandy soils. Recognized as an invasive species in similar climates like California and Oregon, it has been introduced globally. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It also yields an essential oil used for flavoring and produces a yellow dye, while its fibers have been utilized in cloth-making​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.