Rich floodplain forests and forested slopes of larger streams; sometimes in thickets and forest edges and often along trails. This species is known from the Clinton, Galien, Grand, Raisin, Rouge, and  St. Joseph River systems, although occurrences are often patchy, with the plant seemingly absent from some portions of the rivers. 

Though known in Michigan since the late 1800's Carex davisii was rarely collected until nearly a century later, when numerous stations started to turn up, especially along the Grand River system. Though still rather local, it appears to be increasing its range in the state, and certainly its abundance.