All About the Palm Sedge

Many homeowners enjoy grass or other ground-cover plants to create a tidy yard look. The palm sedge, also known as Carex muskingumensis or Muskingum Sedge, is a grass commonly used as ground cover. Below is some excellent information about this plant.

Palm Sedge Facts

Carex muskingumensis grows best in USDA zones 4–9. It can reach up to three feet high and three feet wide and spreads via rhizomes to form colonies.

Palm sedge's name comes from its palm-like leaves, which spread elegantly in all directions. It naturally occurs in wetland or forest environments and thrives from May to July.

For best results, trim the plant down to the ground before the growing season, so you can enjoy fresh new growth in the spring. Although it spreads outward, palm sedge is not invasive—so you can confidently plant as many as you wish without them overtaking your garden or yard.

In spring, palm sedge may produce yellow, wheat-like flowers. This lovely yellow hue against the green grass provides a beautiful, natural border around your home.

Native to Missouri, palm sedge is often found in wooded plains of rivers and swamps, where the ground remains moist. Part of its name originates from the Muskingum River in Ohio.

Grow a Carex Muskingumensis

This palm-looking grass can grow in full sun or shade, making it ideal as a border around your house regardless of the amount of sunlight the area receives.

Muskingum Sedge is a low-maintenance plant perfect for beginner or experienced landscapers. For optimal growth, ensure the soil is fertile and moist. Partial sun is ideal, though it tolerates more or less sun as needed.

It’s a great addition to rain gardens because the soil needs to remain consistently moist. If you want extra height near a water feature, plant it in a shallow part of a pond.

Palm sedge perennials grow well in containers, borders, and rock gardens, provided they get enough water. Keeping the grass in shallow water (up to four inches) will help it thrive.

The Palm Sedge

Palm sedge is a perennial, meaning it will regrow each year when properly cared for—letting you and your family enjoy its graceful fronds for a long time. Combine it with other sedges or ornamental grasses for a unique look in your landscape.