This southern Appalachian species is largely restricted to acid soils on low rocky slopes in wooded ravines. It is the least widespread member of a distinctive group of mesophytic sedges with purple bases and high chromosome numbers: austrocaroliniana (2n = 60); careyana (2n = 68); and plantaginea (2n = 50 and 52). C. austrocaroliniana differs from these other two species as follows (FNA 23): widest leaf blades 2-7 mm mm wide (versus 10-32 mm); peduncles of lateral pistillate spikes usually drooping (versus usualy erect or spreading).