A somewhat grass-like plant with unusually wide leaves for a sedge or a grass. Flowers are tiny, greenish and brownish, tucked into green bracts at the end of long stalks. Blooms in summer.

An unusual sedge, both in its wide leaves and in its preferred woodland habitat. Occasional in Wildwood, in the wooded areas, especially on the western slope.

One of the few sedges that are easily recognized, based on the wide leaves and the habitat.

The scientific and common names commemorate White Bear Lake, Minnesota, which supposedly was named for a great white bear killed by a brave Indian man to win the hand of his beloved.