[3] It is native to much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere from Eurasia to North America.

It is most commonly found in areas near fresh water, such as the margins of ponds and ditches.

It produces bunches of erect stems between 20 and about 70 centimeters in height.

The flowers are attached to branches, rather than the main axis of the inflorescence.

sonomensis, is a rare California endemic grass which is federally listed as an endangered species of the United States.