Generally in rich deciduous forests and ravines, most typically beech-maple, occasionally in more open areas or thickets, especially where persisting after logging.

A variable species, especially in leaf width, culm length, and perigynium length. Broad leaved plants might seem to resemble Carex albursina, but see notes under that species for distinctions. This is most easily distinguished from the common Carex blanda (and C. gracilescens) by the more loosely flowered spikes, with perigynia where the beak is not strongly bent, as well as the smooth angles to the bract sheaths.