Crowfoot Fox Sedge is found in swamps, bottomland forests, stream and river banks, and moist prairies. It grows in moist ground but is sometimes found in shallow standing water. The bristly flowers in large compound inflorescences, which appear from May to July, are relatively distinct although the plant can be confused with Awl-Fruited Sedge. The stems grow in an erect manner and are sharply triangular. The leaves are green to grayish-green and are sometimes covered with a white or bluish film. This species is located across Missouri, especially in the floodplains of the major rivers of the state.