It occurs in woodland, scrubland, hedges and beside streams, preferring damp, heavy clay soils.

[2] Carex pendula is a tall, perennial plant which forms large, dense tufts.

The smooth stems are triangular in cross-section with rounded angles.

The simple flowers are borne on long, drooping, catkin-like spikes.

It has been introduced to New Zealand and has begun to spread into the wild in the United States, where it has been recorded from Washington, Virginia, and California.