Species extremely variable in all features, some differences due to soil and climatic conditions. Mature seed from wild types shatter easily, while cultivated types have been selected for some shattering resistance. Both types are susceptible to diseases, especially brown spot, and to insects. Distribution Native to North America from the northern end of Lake Winnipeg southward to Gulf of Mexico, and eastward to the Atlantic Coast, being more generally found in Minnesota and in southern Manitoba and Ontario, Canada. It is a perennial.
Stagnant water is unsuited to the plant.
Although the current must not be perceptible, a constant change of water is desirable. Fresh water plant, not growing successfully in water with a salty taste. Grows wild in shallow freshwater lakes and on margins of lakes and streams, often covering vast areas, especially in northern United States and southern Canada. Cultivation Wild rice stands in lakes and rivers reseed themselves and can reproduce indefinitely if water levels do not change significantly during the year over a number of years. New lakes or certain areas of a river can be planted with seed or young plants.