What soil does Palm sedge grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Palm sedge flower?

Flowering: May–September, green.

How much water does Palm sedge need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Palm sedge cost?

It sells for roughly €3.90 to €4 in local shops, depending on size.

Palm sedge

Carex muskingumensis

Palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis) is an ornamental grass. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of Palm sedge — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An unusual-looking sedge: the narrow, light green leaves stand in whorls along stiff, upright stems like the fronds of a tiny palm or papyrus, so it gives a tropical feel even in a small space. It belongs in moist or wet soil in sun or part shade: pond edges, rain gardens, boggy corners, even a few centimetres of shallow water, and with regular watering it also grows in a border or a tub as long as the soil never dries out. It is deciduous and turns yellow after frost: cut it to the ground in late winter, and expect it to spread slowly by rhizomes and to seed around.

Watch out for

If its soil dries out the plant declines, so away from water it needs watering in drought. In deep shade the stems flop apart. Where it is happy in moist soil it self-seeds, and the seedlings are best removed in time. It has hardly any pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 75 cm × 75 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–September, green

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	75 cm × 75 cm
Ultimate size	60–90 cm × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–September, green
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €3.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €3.90 – €4

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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