It is native to lowland areas of northwestern Missouri and has escaped from cultivation in other regions. This species occurs in wetlands, including marshes, wet prairies, wet meadows, fens, stream banks, and swales. It has been planted widely for forage and for erosion control. Reproduction is from seed and vegetatively by stout, creeping rhizomes. It begins growth in early spring, growing vertically 5-7 weeks after germination, and then expands laterally.
Vegetative vigor is related to maximum root and shoot production.
Seeds ripen in late June and shatter when ripe. The native reed canary grass is not thought to be as aggressive as is the Eurasian ecotype. It is a major threat to marshes and natural wetlands because of its hardiness, aggressive nature, and rapid growth. Native wetland and wet prairie species are replaced after several years of reed canary grass presence. It is of particular concern because of the difficulty of selective control.