This rhizomatous aquatic is widespread across eastern states, especially as a stabilizer of coarse soils in riffles of streams, but it is uncommon to rare in some coastal regions. The species is concentrated as a dominant in generally shallow flowing water with good aeration, but tolerating submergence for up to 2-4 weeks and drying for up to about 8 weeks (Fritz et al. 2004, Strakosh et al. 2005). It can also occur in transitions to more stagnant water, as in spring-fed ponds (e,g. mixed with Nelumbo at Stephensburg Lake in HARD) and some other types of shoreline (e.g. with Leersia oryzoides, Saururus, Persicaria hydropiperoides, Acorus, Peltandra; see natureserve.org).