Leaf sheaths smooth. Perigynium beak squarrose-spreading, 3.9-4.6 mm, exceeding pistillate scales 0.7-1.6 mm.

Fruiting late spring-early summer. Rich, moist woods; 100-300 m; Man., Ont.; Ill., Ind., Iowa, Mich., Minn., Mo., Nebr., N.Dak., Ohio, S.Dak., Wis.

In contrast to the widespread typical variety, Carex tenera var. echinodes occurs in moister habitats and has a more southernly center of distribution.