[6] B. robustus is native to North America, where it can be found along the eastern and southern coasts from Nova Scotia south to Florida and along the Gulf coastline to Tabasco.

[8] It is most often a coastal species,[9] occurring in wet habitat such as marshes in brackish and saltwater.

It often occurs alongside, resembles, and hybridizes with its close relative Bolboschoenus maritimus.

[9] This plant is an important food source for waterfowl on the Gulf Coast of the United States.

[6] Native American tribes such as the Pomo and the Kawaiisu have traditionally used the plants for basketry, and some peoples eat the tubers as well.