Carex unilateralis, the lateral sedge, is a species of sedge that was first described by Kenneth Mackenzie in 1922. The specific epithet, , is derived from Latin and means "one-sided".
Carex unilateralis is a low-growing, perennial, tussock-forming rhizomatous plant with a compact flower head. Bracts grow from 35âÂÂ75 cm in height, and exceed the leaves in length. Leaves measure 2âÂÂ3 mm in width. Inflorescence is generally angled to one side of the culm, making this species relatively easy to identify.
Carex unilateralis is common throughout southwestern Canada and the western USA. It prefers lowland, damp regions such as bogs, marshes and wetlands.