Carex muskingumensis 'Little Midge' - Dwarf Palm Sedge

At about a quarter the size of the straight species (C. muskingumensis), this very dwarf palm sedge could find a suitable spot in almost any landscape. Hardly any other sedge comes close to resembling Carex muskingumensis so it is great to now have such a small form. Good as a ground cover and makes a nice "lawn" in moist or irrigated conditions, and where it will not be walked on.

Dwarf palm sedge is great with small water features and can be planted directly in shallow water or in bog gardens or bog containers. Also works well when the soil is irrigated either by nature or sprinkling.

When grown in shade the leaves are darker green than in the picture. This plant is growing in full hot sun, resulting in a lighter green colour. The card on the right is credit-card size and is shown for size comparison.

Description: cool season; slow spreader
Foliage - green; narrow blade width; 20-30 cm (8-12") tall
Flowers - brown and not showy; June-July; 25-35 cm (10-14")

Ideal conditions: full sun to light shade; moist to wet soil; needs ample water in hot dry locations

Coldest zone: 4, possibly colder (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Juncus effusus 'Spiralis', Hosta, Bergenia, Pulmonaria, Brunnera, Hellebores, Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'

Season of interest: June to winter

Drought tolerance rating: 3 (water to root depth every week); further info

Recommended plant spacing: 25-45 cm (10-18") why such a difference?

Native to: the species (C. muskingumensis) is native to wet areas of north-central North America

Pronunciation: Carex (KAIR-ex) muskingumensis (mus-king-goo-MEN-sis)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Carex muskingumensis 'Little Midge' to our other grasses in this handy chart.