Moist open ground: sandy shores, stream borders, meadows and wet fields, borders of swamps, thickets, ditches, marshes, temporary ponds in forests; rarely in dry sand or peaty ground. A common species, but mostly in sandy, and often acidic soils.

When the inflorescences are at maturity, before they turn brown and shed perigynia, Carex scoparia spikes have a distinctive yellowish brassy color that allows for recognition on sight once learned. 

Sterile specimens from Saginaw and St. Clair Cos. appear to be hybrids with C. cumulata.