Draparnaldia is a cosmopolitan genus with wide distribution and it is usually found in cold aerated waters.

Herman S. Forest of The Southern Appalachian Botanical Club has stated that while not common, it is present frequently enough to be recorded in almost all local flora lists of green algae that have been compiled.

Bory is added in honour of the researcher of the same name, based on whose description the genus was separated from similar appearing forms.

Draparnaldia attaches to the substrate with rhizoids and is composed of erect, branching filaments surrounded by soft mucilage.

Hair development is affected by the levels of phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and light.

It can be located in streams, ditches, springs, and shallow, peaty lakes,[2] but usually only in cold, soft flowing waters.

[3] The genus name of Draparnaldia is in honour of Jacques Philippe Raymond Draparnaud (1772–1804), who was a French naturalist, malacologist and botanist.