It is native to North America, where it grows in western and eastern regions of Canada and the United States, and parts of Mexico.

[1] It grows in wet places, including meadows and many types of wetlands.

[2] Tolerates deeper water than most common species and is good for retention basins.

This sedge produces clumps of triangular stems up to 100 or 120 centimeters tall from short rhizomes.

The scales over the fruits taper into long, thin awns.