Native to parts of Asia, silk-reed has a presence that spans several major Asian regions and can be found in areas characterized by subtropical or tropical climates. While it is a natural part of these ecosystems, silk-reed has been introduced to several other regions, stretching across continents. In some locations, such as the Caribbean, silk-reed is sometimes thought to be a species that may have an impact on native ecosystems, due to its competitive growth patterns in environments where it is not indigenous.