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Perennial of the Cyperaceae family, Carex pendula is widespread in much of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It thrives in damp undergrowth, shaded stream banks, ditches, and cool embankments, on clay to loamy, rich and constantly moist soils.
It is one of the most imposing sedges of the European flora, forming large, arched, and dense clumps that can reach 100 to 150 cm in height. The leaves are long, broad for the genus, bright green to glaucous green on the underside, supple and drooping, giving the clump an elegantly fountain-like appearance.
The flowering stems, trigonal and robust, bear long cylindrical female spikes, drooping, initially a fresh green then brown at maturity, swaying at the slightest breath of wind. This characteristic movement, combined with the unusual length of the spikes, is one of the most immediately recognizable features of the species.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to June.
In cultivation, it requires a deep, cool to moist soil, rich in organic matter, in partial shade or shade. It self-seeds abundantly and can become invasive in gardens; some vigilance is required in confined spaces.