[2] It is native to much of the northern Northern Hemisphere, from Alaska to Greenland[3] to Eurasia, and including most of Canada and the United States.

It grows in wet habitat, such as marshes and fens.

This sedge grows in clumps from long rhizomes.

The stems are 75–100 cm (30–39 in) in maximum height.

The fruits have dark-colored bracts and a sac called a perigynium or utricle which is gray-green and rough in texture.