This broadleaf sedge with arching leaves thrives in wetlands and woodlands, and its spherical, multi-pointed seed heads add an exotic touch to fresh or dried flower arrangements. The brown seed heads lend texture to the winter garden and serve as a tasty snack for birds and other hungry critters. The plant establishes deep roots and forms clumps 2.5 feet tall that spread slowly to form colonies. Many sources say the mowable sedge is a great substitute for turf grass in moist, fertile areas with partial sun or light shade; however, in a trial at Mt. Cuba Center, Gray's sedge performed well in both sun and shade.  
 
Naturally, the starburst-like flowers inspired several other common names for the plant, such as morningstar and mace sedge, both of which refer to the medieval weapon with a spiky, metal orb. Common bur sedge implies that the seed heads hitch a ride on passing mammals, but the puffy seed sacs often float on water to new locations.
 
The genus name comes from Latin and means "cutter" in reference to the sharp leaves and stem edges found on most of this genus' species. The specific epithet honors Asa Gray, an American botanist and the author of Gray's Manual of Botany.
 
Native habitats include wet to moist deciduous woodlands, sandy and non-sandy swamps, shaded areas along streams, and shaded seeps. Plant in large groups around pools and ponds. Use as an accent plant near water gardens or even in containers.

Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3' tall and about 2' wide.
 
Prefers part shade but also grows in full sun or shadier areas.
 
Prefers moist to wet, fertile soils. Tolerates occasional flooding but does poorly in dry soils.
 
A pair of globe shaped, female spikelets with 10-30 inflated perigynia (bottle-shaped, sac-like structures) are produced in a round, 1" orb at the top of the stem. Flowers are produced in May and throughout the summer if the plant keeps growing. The two-lipped perigynia allows pollen to enter through a cigar-shaped staminate flower protruding from the larger, female flower. When the seeds ripen, the perigynia breaks apart and allows the seeds to disperse in their own inflated life raft.
 
Grass-like leaves are up to 1/2" wide with several corrugated ridges running the length of the blade. The leaves are sparingly produced up the triangular stem as it elongates.
 
The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
 
Reproductive System: male and female imperfect flowers are on the same plant (monoecious). The plant is capable of self-seeding.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for larvae of several species of Lepidoptera, including Appalachian brown butterfly. Numerous bird and mammal species eat the seeds. 
 
Resources:
Good Natured: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WztKicZr9c
 
Illinois Botanizer: https://illinoisbotanizer.com/plants/carex-grayi/
 
Illinois Wildflowers: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/gray_sedge.htm
 
Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279804
 
Mt. Cuba Center: https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/carex-grayi-grays-sedge/