A native of Europe, parts of Asia and Africa, this plant is highly invasive here. It grows in woodlands, and once it takes hold is difficult to control. It is a biennial plant, whose basal leaves remain green under the snow. In early spring it begins growing rapidly, and by the first week in May it is beginning to flower, and soon after sets seed. Early settlers in Ontario prized this plant, for it offered fresh greens after a long winter without.