Carex grayi - Mace Sedge, Pond Marginal Plant

Carex grayi, known as mace sedge, is a clump-forming sedge with broad, rich green, grass-like leaves. Through summer it carries green flower spikes followed by spiky seed heads like a medieval mace, which turn chocolate brown and last into winter.

Mace sedge at a glance

Botanical name	Carex grayi
Common name	Mace sedge, Gray's sedge
Plant type	Clump-forming sedge; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 50–90 cm tall, 30–60 cm wide
Flowers	Green spikes, June to August, followed by spiky mace-like seed heads
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Wet, poorly drained clay or loam; any pH
Pond depth	Wet soil or shallow water at the pond edge
Hardiness	RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C)
Native to	Not UK native

Where to plant mace sedge

Wet ground at the edge of a pond
Bog gardens
Sun or part shade; the leaves are darker green in shade

How to plant and care for it

Plant in wet clay or loam. Cut back the old leaves in autumn. It may self-seed. Watch for aphids and rust.

Is it good for wildlife?

The RHS suggests it for wildlife gardens, and a US source says the seeds feed many birds.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.