[2] Carex vulpina can be identified by its reddish-brown inflorescence, appearing in June and July.

It has sturdy, triangular stems, winged in cross-section, with bright green, flat leaves.

It can reach 0.95m in height,[3] and is often confused with its relative Carex otrubae, the False Fox-sedge.

[4] Carex vulpina is widespread throughout Europe to Xinjiang.

[5] It favours a lowland wetland habitat, such as river banks, ditches and seasonally flooding meadows.