Found in western two-thirds of Colorado below 9000', throughout most of U.S. except southern states. Abundant along irrigation ditches, lower valleys, rivers and pond banks, and along drainage ditches. Occurs on a variety of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils, does best on fertile and moist to wet soils. Also capable of surviving prolonged conditions of flooding and anoxic conditions. Reproduction Perennial, cool season, reproduces by seeds and stout creeping rhizomes.
Large rhizomes are capable of forming bunches or continuous sods.
Ditches and waterways can serve as dispersal corridors. Seeds germinate immediately after ripening. Competition A very aggressive species that is highly competitive with other plants. Begins growth in early spring, grows vertically for 5-7 weeks, and then begins to spread laterally. May inhibit growth of other species for 3-5 months, eventually eliminating these species.