Cool season, low-growing, bunch-forming, annual native grasslike. Often found in moist sandy or gravelly soils, but also in clays and compacted soils. Widespread throughout North America. Semi-aquatic, generally occurring in the margins of wetlands and riparian areas. Tolerant of seasonal flooding and saline conditions. Also occurs in upland habitats such as meadows and roadsides. Annual lifespan, but easily reseeds itself in exposed, disturbed soils where it may become weedy without perennial competition. Use as a fast-establishing native soil stabilizer in wetland and riparian seed mixes.