This is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant of the lakes, streams, and ponds of the United States and Canada.

It has a wide distribution across the two countries, though noticeably absent from the Dakotas and from the Southwestern Deserts.

[1][2][3][4][5] Dulichium arundinaceum has a thick rhizome system and grows to heights approaching a meter.

It is reminiscent of bamboo in appearance when new, growing bright green erect stalks in large, grassy stands.

[2][6] Two varieties are recognized:[1] One fossil fruit of †Dulichium marginatum has been described from a middle Miocene stratum of the Fasterholt area near Silkeborg in Central Jutland, Denmark.