{"product_id":"carex-grayii","title":"Carex grayi","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCarex grayi\u003c\/em\u003e: Spiky Mace Seed Heads for Soggy Ground\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGray's Sedge grows seed heads shaped like tiny spiked maces, which is very heavy metal for a plant that lives by the pond. Native, glossy and happiest with its feet soaking. MEDIEVAL WEAPONRY, BUT MAKE IT WETLAND.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCarex grayi\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gray's Sedge, also called Morning Star Sedge or Mace Sedge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45–60 cm (1.5–2 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Insignificant. Grown for its spiky, globe-shaped seed heads, which turn from green to brown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seed heads from early summer to late summer (June to August), lasting into fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy, light green, grass-like blades in an upright clump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates wet and seasonally flooded soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e It's a natural fit for rain gardens, pond and stream edges, soggy low spots and moist woodland gardens, and it handles heavy clay that holds water. Plant it in groups along a path so the seed heads can be seen up close. Full sun works only where the soil stays moist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant Gray's sedge in a moist, shady native bed with spring wildflowers and a big fern behind. \u003cem\u003eWaldsteinia fragarioides\u003c\/em\u003e carpets the ground at 10 to 15 cm with yellow flowers in May and June. \u003cem\u003eTrillium grandiflorum\u003c\/em\u003e opens large white flowers at 30 to 45 cm in April and May. \u003cem\u003eStylophorum diphyllum\u003c\/em\u003e adds yellow wood poppies at 30 to 45 cm in May and June. \u003cem\u003eMatteuccia struthiopteris\u003c\/em\u003e rises behind at 90 to 150 cm, the ostrich fern of Ontario woods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in rich, moist to wet soil. In part shade it's happy in average garden moisture. In full sun, keep the soil reliably moist or the leaves will scorch. Water well through the first season. Cut the old foliage to the ground in late fall or early spring, before new growth starts. Leave the seed heads standing over winter if you like the look. Divide crowded clumps in early spring. Otherwise it can stay put for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCarex grayi\u003c\/em\u003e grows wild in floodplain forests, swamps and stream banks across eastern and central North America, including southern Ontario and Quebec. Its name honours the 19th-century American botanist Asa Gray.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant it in a wet spot, then cut the seed heads for a vase and watch your guests wonder if they're safe to touch. THEY ARE. MOSTLY.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ornamental Grasses","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon Pot \/ 3","offer_id":67822602486038,"sku":"CAREGR01","price":24.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/Carexgrayii.png?v=1793057438","url":"https:\/\/blacksheepperennials.com\/products\/carex-grayii","provider":"Black Sheep Perennials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}