It is endemic to Texas in the United States, where it is known only from one river canyon in Jeff Davis County.

This aquatic plant has a stem growing up to 57 centimeters long,[2] varying in length depending on the depth of the water.

[3] The delicate, spirally arranged leaves are linear in shape and up to 7.8 centimeters in length by 1 or 2 millimeters wide.

Though extremely restricted in distribution, it has usually appeared common to abundant in the one stream where it occurs.

[4] It is a very dynamic river, experiencing low levels during drought, severe, scouring flooding during high-drainage seasons, and changing water quality from chemical contamination and livestock upriver.