Carex buchananii or Buchanans sedge is endemic to the North and South Islands. In the North Island it is uncommon, and known there only from scattered sites south of the Manawatu. In the South Island it is more widespread, though often sporadically distributed and at times locally common down the eastern side, but rare in Southland and apparently absent from Westland and Fiordland. It is naturalised in Auckland City, and recorded as naturalised in the United Kingdom. It grows from coastal to montane areas (up to 1000 m a.s.l.). On beaches, lagoon, lake and stream margins, or in damp ground within open forest or short tussock grassland. This rather densely tufted species that grows from 50-75cm tall has a reddish brown colour, and generally has a rather stiff and erect habit. In addition to its growth habit, it is usually recognised by the fine tips of the leaves being bleached and a very distinctively curled. Will tolerate most conditions, but does best in full sun in a permanently damp soil. In ideal conditions this species often naturalises, and it can at times become invasive. It is a great plant for the garden and in landscape architecture due to its erect habit, although older plants leaves can become more widespread.