【Background】 Euphorbia dentata, an alien weed native to North America, has been introduced to China in the past century. 【Method】 By using model and geographic information system (GIS), this paper analyzed the environmental variables affecting the distribution of E.dentata on the basis of the biological characteristics, as well as quantitatively predicted its future distribution in China. The prediction was verified by the ROC curve. 【Result】 The results showed that E.dentata could have a wide potential distribution in China, with the main suitable areas located between 33°~40°N and 109°~119°E， i.e., in regions of Beijing, Tianjin, South Hebei, North Henan, Central & North Shandong, South Shanxi, and Xi′an of Shaanxi. The potential distribution of E.dentata in the world was also detemined using the same method. 【Conclusion and significance】 Eradicating the present populations in China and monitoring its dispersion may represent the effective measures to prevent and control the potential rampant invasion of this alien weed.