Carex grayi J. Carey - Gray's Sedge
Family - Cyperaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Leaf sheath.
Ligule.
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - May - July.
Habitat - Swamps, pond and lake margins, wet woods, bottoms.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found mainly in the northern portion of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its big, globose fruiting heads.
Another species, C. intumescens Rudge, is similar but has slightly smaller fruiting heads with perigynia that are spreading to ascending but NOT downward pointing. C. intumescens is more common in Alabama.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off the MKT Trail, Columbia, MO., 5-11-04, and along the shores of the Missouri River, Boone County, MO., 5-29-04.