Dominant in meadows of the Great Lakes region and common in forest understories. Commonly establishes on disturbed sites through vigorous rhizome growth. Exploits fire-generated gaps in the litter layer through aggressive clonal propagation. Recovery is usually within 1 or 2 years. Seed germination also occurs but is rare.
Ducks use for nesting material and cover.
Also provides nesting habitat, cover, and dancing grounds for sharptail grouse and prairie chickens. Regenerates primarily by vegetative means. Its long rhizomes allow it to spread out and colonize nearby open areas. The short rhizomes are responsible for tuft or mat formation. A cool-season plant, making one of the earliest spring appearances of the sedges.