Gray’s sedge (Carex grayi, Amer. J. Sci. Arts, ser. 2, 4: 22 (1847))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: J.Carey

Bibliography: Amer. J. Sci. Arts, ser. 2, 4: 22 (1847)

Year: 1847

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carex

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Gray’s sedge, scientifically known as Carex grayi, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. This distinctive plant, first described by the botanist J. Carey in an article published in the American Journal of Science and Arts in 1847, has since been a subject of interest for its unique characteristics and ecological significance.

Carex grayi thrives primarily in the temperate regions of Eastern Canada, extending its natural habitat down to North Carolina in the Eastern United States. Its broad geographical distribution indicates a high level of adaptability and resilience in various environments, making it an essential species in the regions it inhabits.

Gray’s sedge is easily recognizable by its grass-like appearance, which is typical of the sedge family. One of its most distinguishing features is the inflorescence, which is arranged in dense, spiky clusters. These clusters add a structural beauty to the landscape, especially in wetland areas where the plant is often found. The morphology of Carex grayi plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat and food for local wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity of the ecosystems it occupies.

In conclusion, Gray’s sedge is a significant plant within the Cyperaceae family, valued for its ecological contributions and distinctive appearance. Its presence from Eastern Canada to North Carolina underscores its adaptability and importance within its native range.

Common Names

Eng: carex de gray, gray’s sedge, mace sedge, asa gray’s sedge, bur sedge, common bur sedge, gray’s bur sedge, morning star sedge
Deu: morgenstern-segge
Dan: morgenstjerne-star
Nld: morgensterzegge
Fra: carex de gray
Swe: spikklubbestarr
En: Gray’s sedge, Carex de Gray, Mace sedge, Asa Gray’s sedge, Gray’s bur sedge, Bur sedge, Common bur sedge, Morning star sedge
Da: Morgenstjerne-star
Nl: Morgensterzegge
Fr: Carex de Gray
De: Morgenstern-Segge
Sv: Spikklubbestarr

Synonyms

• Carex intumescens var. globularis (A.Gray)
• Carex grayi var. rariflora (Farw.)
• Carex grayi var. hispidula (A.Gray ex L.H.Bailey)
• Carex asa-grayi var. hispidula ((A.Gray ex L.H.Bailey) L.H.Bailey)
• Carex asa-grayi (L.H.Bailey)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Paproch86 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Egedorf Henrik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Helen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Marion Möller (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by LV LV (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 13, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2019 by Wilhelm Rogmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by Flavien Guidoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by liloula (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2019 by Klara (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2726360)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:46283-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carex grayi J.Carey)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.2

Ph minimum: 5.7