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Carex grayi (Gray’s Sedge)

Carex grayi (Gray’s Sedge) inflorescences—a single staminate spike above 1-2 globular pistillate spikes—in April.
Gray’s Sedge (Carex grayi) inflorescences in May
Carex grayi (Gray’s Sedge) in a residential garden in Arlington, Virginia, in June.
The achenes of native Carex grayi (Gray's sedge) are encased in tightly packed perigynia radiatng in all directions.
Perigynia of Carex grayi (Gray's sedge) in October.
Tufts of Carex grayi (Gray’s Sedge) en masse at the National Garden, U. S. Botanic Garden in February.

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Carex grayi Gray’s Sedge Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Named after the famous American botanist Asa Gray, this native* of both wet woods and swamps will also grow well in average garden soil. A highly ornamental sedge, its striking inflorescences bloom for a long period, maturing to brown seed heads that have been compared to the medieval club-like morning star. Grass Clump, Inflorescences, Foliage, Mature Fruit Height: 2–3 feet Spread: 11⁄2–2 feet Bloom Color: Pale green Characteristics Clump-forming, semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial Upright, alternate, parallel-veined, 1⁄2” wide by 14” long, glabrous, lime green, basal leaves Leafy culm topped with a single staminate spike above 1-2 globular pistillate spikes, consisting of 10-25 inflated and tapering perigynia, May–July Perigynia mature to brown in fall as achenes form Self-seeds—inflated perigynia float on water for distribution; cespitose** (grows in dense tufts) Attributes Tolerates occasional flooding, erosion; no serious pests or diseases; deer rarely severely damage Fall and winter interest of dried seed heads Attractive in fresh-cut or dried floral arrangements Attracts birds and mammals to seeds; provides cover for wildlife; larval host for some moths Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Nutrient-rich Carex morrowii – Japanese Sedge Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Carex oshimensis – Oshima Sedge Water Requirements: Moist, wet Carex pendula – Drooping Sedge Maintain moisture when planted in sun Carex spicata – Spiked Sedge Plant may not reach full height in hot climates *It is native to DC. It is not reported in DE. In MD, it occurs mostly in the Piedmont. It is present throughout PA, with rare populations in the northeast. In VA, it is frequent and locally common in the inner Coastal Plain and outer Piedmont and rare elsewhere. **Flora of Virginia describes it as “cespitose, rhizomes lacking.” Flora of North America describes it as “cespitose or not, short- rhizomatous.” Use as accent plant in containers and borders or plant en masse along streams and in rain gardens Hardiness: USDA Zones 4a–9b developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, private garden, Arlington, VA, and Mary Free (bottom), Glencarlyn Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Carex grayi (Gray’s Sedge)

Named after the famous American botanist Asa Gray, this native* of both wet woods and swamps will also grow well in average garden soil. A highly ornamental sedge, its striking inflorescences bloom for a long period, maturing to brown seed heads that have been compared to the medieval club-like morning star. 

*It is native to DC. It is not reported in DE. In MD, it occurs mostly in the Piedmont. It is present throughout PA, with rare populations in the northeast. In VA, it is frequent and locally common in the inner Coastal Plain and outer Piedmont and rare elsewhere. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets