[3] Carex umbrosa is a perennial,[4] tussock-forming, rhizomatous, grass-like plant, reaching about 15 cm in height.

Leaves are flat-bladed, green, growing between 15 and 20 cm in height.

Inflorescence is a spike, brown in colour, flowering in early summer.

[5] The following infraspecifics are accepted: This species grows throughout Europe to the Caucasus, Mongolia to Russian Far East and Korea.

[4] As the name suggests, it prefers shady conditions, and is commonly found in moist, acidic clay soil in forested locations.