Carex muskingumensis 'Oehme' - Variegated Palm Sedge

When a sedge is non-invasive, grows equally well in full sun as in shade and though it likes ample moisture, is drought tolerant (once established), it is very easy to find a place for it. This was always the appeal of Carex muskingumensis.

C. muskingumensis 'Oehme' has all these qualities plus unique foliage. It starts as a green sedge then gives way to distinct yellow stripes along the margins. Colour gains intensity though the season. This is an easy and rewarding plant to grow.

Try to locate Variegated Palm sedge so you can view it with the early morning or late afternoon sun behind it.

Description: cool season; smaller than the green form; slow spreader
Foliage - 25-90 cm (10-36") tall; green with thin yellow margins, best color is from mid-summer on
Flowers - 35-100 cm (14-40"); June-July; brown

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

Coldest zone: 3 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Season of interest: June to winter

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

Recommended spacing between plants: 30-60 cm (12-24") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Carex (KAIR-ex) muskingumensis (mus-kin-goo-MEN-sis) Oehme (ER-meh)

More ornamental grasses

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