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(Carex grayi)
Gray’s Sedge (Carex grayi)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-03T09:29:41-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carex grayi, commonly known as Gray’s Sedge, is a semi-evergreen perennial sedge native to moist meadows, wet woodlands, and along streams in the Northeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) and a similar width. Gray’s Sedge is characterized by its grass-like leaves and distinctive mace-like seed heads, which are greenish-brown and become quite showy by late summer. The seed heads persist into winter, adding visual interest to the garden during the colder months.
Gray’s Sedge is valued for its unique seed heads, which can be used in floral arrangements, and its adaptability to wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. It is also used for naturalizing in moist areas of the landscape and can be planted en masse for a ground cover effect. This sedge prefers consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread by rhizomes and may need to be managed to prevent unwanted spread in smaller gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Gray’s Sedge is valued for its unique seed heads, which can be used in floral arrangements, and its adaptability to wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. It is also used for naturalizing in moist areas of the landscape and can be planted en masse for a ground cover effect. This sedge prefers consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread by rhizomes and may need to be managed to prevent unwanted spread in smaller gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass, Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, wet woodlands, and along streams
Other Names
Common Names: Common Bur Sedge , Mace Sedge , Star Sedge , Carex De Gray , Morgenstern-Segge , Morgensterzegge , Spikklubbestarr
Scientific Names: Carex grayi , Carex asa-grayi , Carex grayi var. hispidula , Carex grayi var. grayi , Carex intumescens var. globularis , Carex grayi var. rariflora , Carex asa-grayi var. hispidula
GBIF Accepted Name: Carex grayi J.Carey