It is native to the United States, where it occurs in the Rocky Mountains region from Wyoming to Arizona and New Mexico.

[2] The species is dioecious, with male and female reproductive parts occurring on separate plants.

The seeds are viable for a short time, but germinate immediately on landing on an appropriate moist substrate.

It forms thickets on floodplains where recent deposits of soil have been washed down by floodwaters.

[3] This plant is an important food source for many types of animals, such as moose and ptarmigan.