Carex bigelowii, commonly known as Bigelow’s sedge or stiff sedge, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including Arctic and alpine regions, boreal forests, subarctic wetlands, and tundra across Eurasia and North America. It is particularly adapted to cold, moist environments and is often found in areas with poor soil fertility. This sedge typically grows up to 20 inches tall and is characterized by its tufted growth habit with 3-angled stems that may appear singly or in clusters. The leaves are stiff, dark green, and can persist through winter, contributing to its evergreen nature. During the flowering season, which occurs in late spring to early summer, Carex bigelowii produces an inflorescence consisting of 1–3 black pistillate spikes situated below 1–2 staminate spikes, though the flowers are not particularly showy.

Bigelow’s sedge is valued for its ability to form dense turfs, which can stabilize soil and prevent erosion in harsh climates. It is also used in restoration projects in its native range due to its resilience and vegetative reproduction through rhizomes and stolons. The roots can extend up to 31 inches deep, allowing the plant to access water in dry conditions. While it is not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, it can be an interesting addition to rock gardens or bog gardens that mimic its natural habitat. Carex bigelowii prefers full sun to part shade, moist to wet soil conditions, and can tolerate a range of soil types, including acidic substrates. It has few disease or pest issues but can be sensitive to excessive heat or drought.CC BY-SA 4.0