Common Wood Sedge, Carex eburnea, also called Bristle-leaf Sedge, commonly occurs in crevices of limestone bluffs. It is also known to grow in drier sandy soils, particularly on limestone outcroppings and glades. This sedge is grown in the landscape for its foliage effect. Soft, thread-like, green leaves form a spherical, porcupine-like clump to 6-10 inches tall and as wide. Whitish-green flowers on spikes in spring are insignificant. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous.
Habitats include upland woodlands, bottomland woodlands, woodland openings, powerline clearances in wooded areas, savannas, thickets, degraded prairies, weedy meadows, lawns and gardens (particularly in shaded areas), vacant lots, and waste areas. Common Woodland Sedge has been found in both deciduous and deciduous/coniferous woodlands (or mixed woodlands). This sedge can be found in high quality woodlands, but it is also common in degraded woodlands and other habitats with a history of disturbance. In tallgrass prairies, Common Woodland Sedge functions as a shade-tolerant understory plant.
Grow in medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. Thrives in soils that receive consistent moisture, but also will grow in drier sandy or rocky soils. Plants spread slowly by rhizomes over time, sometimes forming large colonies in optimum conditions in the wild.