Rhus typhina L is native to the eastern part of North America. After its introduction to China, it has been mainly cultivated in infertile plains for afforestation and soil conservation purposes. However, due to its strong invasive and spreading abilities, the inadequate management will severely disrupt the biodiversity of invaded ecosystems. In this study, a combined approach using GIS and the MaxEnt model was employed to simulate the suitable distribution areas of Rhus typhina L in North America and China, and to analyze the environmental factors influencing its distribution. The accuracy of the model simulation was validated using ROC curves. The research results indicate that the suitable distribution areas of Rhus typhina L in both North America and China are predominantly concentrated in regions with a relatively humid climate between 30 to 40 degrees north latitude. The key environmental factors influencing the predictive results of the MaxEnt model were climate-related factors. The AUC values of the predictive models were greater than 0.9 for both regions. However, there were significant differences in the threshold ranges of certain environmental factors between the two regions. After invading China, Rhus typhina L has undergone significant changes in its climatic niche and ecological space, posing a certain threat to the local ecosystems in China. This study provides a reference basis for quarantine monitoring and forestry departments, aiding in the formulation of early warning and regulatory measures to effectively prevent the invasion of Rhus typhina L in China and protect biodiversity.