[2] The specific epithet, unilateralis, is derived from Latin and means "one-sided".

[3] Carex unilateralis is a low-growing, perennial, tussock-forming rhizomatous plant with a compact flower head.

Inflorescence is generally angled to one side of the culm, making this species relatively easy to identify.

[6] Carex unilateralis is common throughout southwestern Canada and the western USA.

[7] It prefers lowland, damp regions such as bogs, marshes and wetlands.