Rare but widespread in moist sandy-mucky river banks and drying lake and pond shores. A species that appears when water levels in streams and lakes are low so rather sporadic in occurrence.

This is a unique species with its leafy-bracted inflorescences. Formerly the only Michigan species in Carex sect Cyperoideae, but this section is nested within the sect. Ovales, and unfortunately, Cyperoideae is the prior name.