Annual. Seedhead with a few long leaves at the top of a bare stem. Clusters of flat spikes on short to long stalks. Spikes greenish, sometimes glossy, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Reproduces by seed. Found in sandy, moist, disturbed areas. Occurs from Minnesota, Ohio and New York south through Florida and west to Texas. Also found in Bolivia, Ecuador and Brazil.