Carex lambertiana is a native sedge(> 1m tall) which is endemic to New Zealand. In the North Island, it is abundant from Te Paki to about the southern Waikato, otherwise uncommon. Its habitat is usually in relatively open but shaded sites within tall forests or in riparian forest along riversides and on river terraces. This species occasionally naturalize in urban areas. Flowering occurs September – December and it fruits throughout the year.
