It is an evergreen species of sedge that is native to southern coastal areas of Australia.

[2] L. gladiatum occurs mostly as a dense sedge that favours dunes and creek lines.

Forms dense canopy with large clumps of dark green strap-like leaves.

In Southwest Australia it can be found as far north as Cervantes and as far east as Cape Arid National Park.

[5] The seedheads have been used to feed captive red-eared firetails, the finch-like species Stagonopleura oculata, their deft extraction and enthusiasm for the seed suggests it is consumed in its usual habitat.