The common name, bur-reed, arises from the distinctive round clusters of fruits that take the form of a mace.

This species frequently occurs in areas with spring flooding, and may be emersed during periods of lower water.

The buried rhizomes provide one method to survive periods of drought, fire, or ice scour.

[5] It can form dense stands under the right conditions; for example, Sparganium is one of the four main vegetation types in the Ottawa River, Canada.

[6] Muskrats feed on the plant, particularly its rhizomes, while the seeds are an important food source for waterfowl.