This grass is often found in open, wet habitats such as swamps, peatlands, and marshes. It grows in soils that are rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. It can also be found along the edges of deciduous and mixed forests.
Bluejoint is native to North America. It is widespread in the northern United States (including Maine, New York, and Vermont), as well as in the Midwest (Minnesota and Wisconsin) and the Northwest (Washington and Oregon). It is also found in mountainous states such as Montana and Colorado, and in Alaska.
In Canada, it occurs across all temperate provinces and territories. In Quebec, it is found in the Vallée du Saint-Laurent, the Cantons-de-l’Est, the Laurentides, and the Outaouais regions, and it can also be seen in central and northern parts of the province.