A northern and northwestern species collected once in Michigan in forests near the Montreal River adjacent to Mt. Houghton, Keweenaw Co. (O. A. Farwell 1614 1/2 in 1898, BLH). Ecologically, this is somewhat similar to Carex foenea and C. adusta, flourishing after disturbance or fire, although also being a component of more stable cliff and rock outcerop settings. It should be sought in such habitats, as it is still extant in the Lake Superior region of Ontario.

Recently, it has been collected as an introduction along roadsides and in rough lawns in southern Ontario, including as close as Essex Co., probably accidently introduced with grass seed originating from the western United States.