Carex muskingumensis - Palm Sedge, Pond Marginal Plant

Carex muskingumensis, known as palm sedge, is a clump-forming sedge from eastern North America. Its narrow, light green leaves are held in fan-like sprays on upright stems, like tiny palm trees.

Palm sedge at a glance

Botanical name	Carex muskingumensis
Common name	Palm sedge
Plant type	Clump-forming sedge; semi-evergreen
Height and spread	Flower stems to about 75 cm, 50–100 cm wide
Flowers	Golden-brown spikes, June and July; not showy
Position	Full sun or part shade (light shade is ideal)
Soil	Consistently moist to wet soil
Pond depth	0–15 cm of water, or moist soil
Hardiness	RHS H4 – hardy in an average UK winter (-10 to -5°C)
Native to	Eastern North America (not UK native)

Where to plant palm sedge

Moist soil at the edge of a pond or in a bog garden
A shallow pond shelf, up to 15 cm deep
Lightly shaded, damp corners

How to plant and care for it

Plant from spring to late summer in soil that stays moist. It is generally free of diseases but may be attacked by aphids.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.