It is native to the eastern United States, where it is scattered and local.

[2] It is found almost exclusively on seasonally wet alkaline soils.

[3] Common habitats include rocky prairies and glades, most often over limestone.

[4] This species is inconspicuous and easily overlooked, due to its superficial similarity to a vegetative grass or sedge.

[5] The leaves of Isoetes butleri die back at the end of spring, when its habitat becomes hot and dry.