Usually in rich deciduous or mixed forests, but occasionally in cedar swamps (sometimes marly) and boggy woods; continues to thrive in disturbed areas and clearings, especially northwards. 

The edges of the bract sheaths are usually strongly but minutely serrulate. The pistillate scales are occasionally obtuse, although usually at least some of them are short-awned.

In this, and other members of section Laxiflorae, assessing the number of nerves is tricky in fresh material, as the nerves become much more conspicuous when the perigynia are dry. .