SafePlants

Gray's Sedge (Carex grayi)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces spiked seed heads that may resemble maces.
• The plant can spread slowly, forming clumps.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces spiked seed heads that may resemble maces.
• The plant can spread slowly, forming clumps.

Common Names

• Gray's Sedge
• Common Bur Sedge
• Gray Sedge
• Bur Sedge
• Morning Star Sedge
• Asa Gray's Sedge
• Mace Sedge
• Globe Sedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Carex grayi Carey
• Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
• Genus: Carex
• Species: grayi
• Synonyms: Carex grayi Smith, R.W.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Found in low-lying areas near rivers and woods.
• Grows in deciduous woodlands, areas near water, and swamps.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Perennial sedge that forms attractive, slowly spreading clumps.
• Fertile shoots are about 2-2' tall; infertile shoots can be shorter.
• Narrow leaves are shiny and upright.
• Forms strong erect clumps of rich green leaves.
• Features large, spiked, star-like (or mace-like) seed heads.
• The carpellate spikes are nearly perfectly spherical with inflated perigynia.
• Flowering stems (culms) are smooth and grow 15".

Ecological Role

• Provides excellent erosion control.
• Seeds provide food for wildlife, including waterfowl, rails, upland game birds, and granivorous songbirds.
• The foliage serves as a food source for insects, butterflies, skippers, and moths.

Cultivation

• Grows best in moist, fertile soil in full sun, but tolerates light shade.
• Thrives at or near water.
• Easy to grow in the right environment.
• Prefers rich, wet, loamy soils in full sun to part-shade.
• Water requirements are high.

Quirky Facts

• The spiked seed heads resemble the medieval weapon of the same name, the morning star or mace.

Further Information

• Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife - Natural Heritage Database.
• Dave's Garden (online community for sharing gardening tips and ideas).