Carex virgata is endemic to the North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. It is widespread from sea level to about 1000m a.s.l. in open, swampy conditions and also in damp sites within lowland forest. In parts of the country this sedge is often the dominant carice of lowland alluvial forest. A densely clumped, rhizomatous, to tussock-forming sedge, it forms a handsome, distinctive bright green tussock up to 90 – 120cm  tall with a weeping, graceful appearance. Initially it grows directly out of the ground, but older plants can form a trunk from its thickly matted roots. Being a plant that grows in swampy places, it is ideal for growing alongside water or in damp soils.