Like so many in the Carex family of plants, Palm Sedge, Carex muskingumensis works hard, filling in tough spots with its unique foliage. Palm Sedge features rigid 20″ tall stems with 8″ long pointed leaf blades that radiate from the stem tops. It reminds gardeners of miniature palm fronds. An Illinois and Missouri native Carex, it is found most often in wooded swamps and along rivers. It spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. Although not showy, the simple flowers that first appear in May are noticeable and bring interest to the plant throughout summer. Fall brings yellow blades.

Though Palm Sedge thrives in consistently damp soil, making it excellent in rain gardens, it is also drought tolerant. Palm Sedge can be used as tall ground cover and makes a fantastic textural accent in any garden. You can bet on this Missouri native to survive and thrive in our unpredictable climate.

Plant in full sun to part shade. Palm Sedge will grow in shallow water (3-4″ deep). Plant in average soil. For best results, the soil must not be allowed to dry out; the plant prefers consistent moisture.