Disciseda candida was described from N. America and has since been reported to all continents except Antarctica. Molecular data (Jeppson et al. unpublished) reveal that a complex of closely related cryptic species are involved in the current species concept. Disciseda candida is hear treated in its traditional broad sence awaiting further studies.

A species of dry grazed grassland and steppe habitats. World wide distribution but records are ambiguous as cryptic speciation has been detected. Proposed assessment: DD

Occurs in Eurasia, North and South America and Australia/New Zealand. In Europe it has been abundantly recorded but the lack of data in central Asia indicates that it might be strongly underrecorded. Two additional records are those from southern Greenland and Iceland. It is also present in Central Asia. However, recent studies (Jeppson et al. unpublished) has indicated a cryptic speciation within D. candida and distribution records are hence somewhat ambiguous.

Disciseda candida has a wide global distribution and occurs in a wide range of xeric habitats. Nevertheless it is red-listed in the extremities of its distribution range, eg Norway EN, Denmark CR, Sweden VU (C-criterium). 
GBIF lists appr. 1300 occurrences globally. Due to recent phylogenetic results (Jeppson unpoublished) a cryptic speciation makes the distribution records ambiguous.

A species of dry, exposed habitats: dry grasslands, sand dunes, steppe grasslands etc. It has also been recorded in dry arctic vegetation (Greenland). It grows in more or less bare soil accompanied by only low mosses and herbs and is favoured by moderate soil disturbance (eg trampling). Can be found on anthropogenic sites like farm yards and and field tracks.

Disciseda candida is threatened by overgrowth of its habitats due to a changing land use as grazing decreases. A dense and high grassy vegetation is detrimental.

Unpublished phylogentic studies (Jeppson et al. )indicate the presence of cryptic speciation within the traditional concept of. D. candida. Resaerch is needed torresolve the species boundaries.