Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa
Gray sedge, Gray Sedge
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Not Native
Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa (Gray sedge) is a non-native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by non-native status and low elevation habitat distinctive.
Gray sedge is a naturalized perennial found in the Santa Clara Valley and Central Coast bioregions along watercourses and roadsides at elevations below 200 meters. The plant forms dense tufted clusters with leaf blades 2 to 3.5 millimeters wide. Growing in open arrangements with 6 to 10 millimeter wide inflorescences containing 4 to 8 spikelets, this sedge produces pistillate flower bracts that are white to light green with acuminate tips. Its distinctive fruit ranges 1.9 to 2.5 millimeters long, with perigynia that are green to pale brown and eventually darken to black with spreading orientation. The perigynia have characteristic abaxial veins and develop a short 0.7 to 1.5 millimeter beak with serrated edges.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 45 sympatric species; non-native status and low elevation habitat distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Watercourses, roadsides
Elevation: < 200 m
Outside California: eastern North America, native to Eurasia
How to tell it apart
vs Juncus: Carex stems are triangular when rolled; Juncus stems are round and often hollow with partitions inside.; vs Cyperus: Carex has seeds in individual flasks; Cyperus has umbrella-like flower clusters with flattened ribbon-like spikes.; vs Plantago: Carex has triangular stems and brown/green spikelets; Plantago has round flower stalks and white/brown spike flowers.; vs Eleocharis: Carex has leaves along the stem; Eleocharis is nearly leafless with just one spikelet per stem.; vs Schoenoplectus: Carex has leafy stems and flask-enclosed seeds; Schoenoplectus has leafless round stems with exposed seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa native to California?
No. Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa belong to?
Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
What habitat does Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa grow in?
Carex divulsa subsp. divulsa grows in Watercourses, roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.