Carex novae-angliae is loosely tufted, with ascending to erect rhizomes.
The rhizomes are slender and reddish-brown, and range from 1–20 mm (0.039–0.787 in) in diameter.
The culms of the plant are 5–40 cm (2.0–15.7 in) long and slightly rough.

The inflorescences of the plant have both staminate and proximate spikes, with peduncles of staminate spikes 1.9–5.9 mm (0.075–0.232 in) long.
Carex novae-angliae is loosely tufted, with ascending to erect rhizomes. The rhizomes are slender and reddish-brown, and range from 1–20 mm (0.039–0.787 in) in diameter. The culms of the plant are 5–40 cm (2.0–15.7 in) long and slightly rough.
The inflorescences of the plant have both staminate and proximate spikes, with peduncles of staminate spikes 1.9–5.9 mm (0.075–0.232 in) long.
Carex novae-angliae