This species is originally native to states of the West Coast of the United States. It is found in riparian areas, roadsides ditches, damp grasslands, and other moist habitats. It is an herbaceous perennial growing from rhizomes.
Fun Fact It has become naturalized elsewhere in North America including British Columbia and some states in the northeastern and southeastern U.S., Europe, and parts of South America and Australia. It can become a weed where it is introduced; it has been known to infest rice fields.