Carex muskingumensis - Palm Sedge

By most standards, this is one of the best sedges offered. Palm Sedge is easy to grow, exotic and hardy to Zone 2. The palm-like texture of the leaves are especially effective when used with broader leaved plants in the shade garden.

In the arid West, Palm Sedge needs wet feet. It can even be planted directly in the shallow pond. Also good for growing in swales and rain gardens.

If you want it to spread quickly (such as for erosion control on shorebanks), cutting it back by three quarters will force lateral shoots to come up. This can be done 3 to 4 times during the growing season.

Makes a great "filler" plant or makes a strking stand when planted in a mass. Brilliant yellow fall colour.

Description: cool season; slow spreader
Foliage - green and narrow; 35-100 cm (14-40") tall
Flowers - brown; attractive June-July; 50-110 cm (20-44")

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

Coldest zone: 2 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Hosta, Bergenia, Pulmonaria, Rodgersia, Polygonatum, Brunnera, Rhododendron, Hellebore

Season of interest: June to winter

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

Recommended plant spacing: 30-75 cm (12-30") why such a difference?

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

More ornamental grasses

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