It has a circumboreal distribution[1] including Norway, Russia, Siberia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland.

[2][3] Growing in wet places in boreal forests and mountain meadows in alpine climates.

This sedge is a loosely or densely clumping plant growing 10 to 35 centimeters tall.

The leaves are quill-like, narrow and rolled tightly.

The inflorescence is generally not more than a centimeter long and has several male and female flowers.