Fairly common in moist meadows and open forest settings, Small-wing Sedge is a widely ranging species, growing in suitable habitat from 2,500-6,500 feet. The leaves are flat, and the heads are crowded with bi-colored spikes, attributable to the difference in color between the scales and perigynia (the female sack that surrounds the seed).

The common name is derived from the winged perigynia, which have a slender beak.