Carex canescens L. (syn. C. cinerea Poll.; C. curta Gooden.) is a perennial species of plants in the family Cyperaceae growing in damp forests and wetlands. It is widespread across much of Europe, Asia, Australia, New Guinea, North America, Greenland and southern South America.
The plant has been found as an invasive species in Sphagnum peatlands disturbed by peat extraction in southern Patagonia.