It is native to the southern half of North America, including much of the United States except for the northwestern quadrant, and much of Mexico.

It is resident in many types of moist and wet habitat, including disturbed areas, such as irrigation ditches.

It is a perennial herb growing decumbent in a matlike form with spreading, trailing stems up to 50 centimeters (19.7 in) long, sometimes rooting at nodes.

The inflorescence, arising on a peduncle several centimeters tall, is a spherical spike of flowers which elongates into a cylindrical form as the fruits develop.

[1] The Acadian French name for the plant is "caille eau," stemming from the superstition that it can curdle water.