Quackgrass is a strongly rhizomatous perennial plant. The rhizomes are long, highly branched, yellowish-white , sharp-pointed, and somewhat fleshy. Stems can stand up to 3 feet tall.
This plant is spread out through all of North America. It is found in both natural grassland communities and agricultural fields. It invades lawns, roadsides, ditches, and other disturbed moist areas.