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Carex muskingumensis (Muskingum sedge)

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Technical sheet - Carex
Species Distribution Map: Click to enlarge
Map Color Key © 2013 BONAP

Carex muskingumensis

Muskingum sedge or palm sedge

A fine-textured sedge that resembles palm fronds? How strange! Naturally occuring in moist habitats such as low, swampy woods and wet meadows, this native cool-season sedge adds textural interest to any planting. 

SIZE
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Height

2-3 Feet

Spread

2-3 Feet

Spacing

12 Inches

Bloom Color

Green

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Muskingum sedge Interesting Notes

Carex muskingumensis is a cool season sedge that creates dense clumps with bright green leaves resembling palm fronds. A wonderful groundcover, it prefers partial sun to light shade and thrives in clay soil. Palm sedge naturalizes slowly by rhizome or by seed and grows 2’-3’ tall and equally as wide.

Originally found in the Midwest of the United States, from parts Canada along the Mississippi River south to Arkansas, Carex muskingumensis prefers wooded lowland and shaded wet sites. A great plant for a water garden, it can be placed in drier areas as long as plant is not allowed to completely dry out. Showy foliage turns brown after the first frost.

Palm sedge is durable and deer resistant while providing cover and forage for Lepidoptera larvae and native birds. It is planted in multiple locations throughout the trial gardens, including a drier deep shade site, and it is observed that too little light causes the plant to elongate and flop over. A great textural plant that adds dimension in mass plantings in the garden or great for erosion control in restoration plantings.

Carex muskingumensis Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grows best in dappled to full shade; will grow in full sun with consistent moisture. Spreads via rhizomes, often forming large colonies.

Key Characteristics & Attributes

Full Shade
Full Shade
Part Sun
Part Sun
Moist
Moist
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Groundcover
Groundcover
Summer
Summer

Additional Information

Soil Moisture Needs
Wet
Average
Green Infrastructure
Bioretention/Rain Garden
Woodland
Meadow/Prairie
Lawn Alternative
Wetland Indicator Status
Obligate Wetland (OBL)
Plug Type
Landscape Plug™
Attributes
Native to North America
Ornamental Foliage
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Late Spring / Early Summer
Propagation Type
Open pollinated
Grass Type
Cool Season