This sedge species is native from Nova Scotia to Manitoba to Georgia to Texas in various wetland situations, including growing somewhat into standing water. It spreads by short, creeping rhizomes to from a colony. It is evergreen and grows in dense tussocks (clumps) and is about 2 to 3 feet high without the flower stalks. The flower stalks grow above the foliage to 4 feet high, blooming in May-June. In the flowering stalks the staminate (male) flowers are about 2 inches long as 1 or 2 on a spikelet, and the pistillate (female) flowers are about 4 inches long in groups of 2 to 6 on a spikelet. All the flowers droop. This species is usually used in wet low spots or along water in landscapes but can be used upland in medium moisture soils. The species scientific name of "crinita" refers to the long, weak hairs on the plant. This native species is sold at some native plant nurseries. I've never seen it in conventional nurseries, which go for more flashy plants.

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