In North Dakota, there are 3 records from approximately 1 mile of river valley in Richland County. These sites represent the westernmost known population of handsome sedge, located far from the nearest known population in southeastern Minnesota, approximately 250 miles away. In general, handsome sedge is associated with eastern deciduous forests. In North Dakota, it is restricted to moist lowland forests of the Sheyenne River These woodlands are dominated by aspen and green ash, often near groundwater discharge zones. May. Flowers develop in early June with the fruit maturing toward the end of June.
Fruits often stay on the plant into the fall.
Distinctions are based upon careful examination of the mature fruit through a dissecting scope. In general, sedges can be identified by their grass-like appearance and 3 angled stems. Flowers occur in several spikes at the upper part of the stem and have no petals or sepals. Its arching stems may grow over two feet long. The arching stems, drooping fruits, and tufted growth form, give this plant a cascading appearance similar to long-beaked sedge, Carex sprenglii , with which it may be confused with.