Introduced from Europe, in North America it grows in scattered locations west of the Cascades crest in Washington, extending from British Columbia to California and further east across the continent to the Atlantic Coast​. This species thrives in disturbed areas such as wastelots and roadsides, flowering typically during June and July​​. A perennial herb known for its ability to grow in various light conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade​. It is able to withstand minimum cold temperatures of -20°F​. A particular characteristic of Sweet William catchfly is its sticky sap exuded onto the stem, which traps small insects, hence the name 'catchfly'​. The plant exhibits a range of height from 10 to 70 cm tall, with erect, solitary, branched stems emanating from a taproot​. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.