Carex muskingumensis
palm branch sedge / musk sedge
Originating from swamps and damp meadows in North America, this semi-evergreen sedge will thrive in moisture-retentive soil - and therefore makes a handsome addition to bog gardens or pond margins. The slender foliage forms in palm-like spays, creating a slowly spreading mound, which in summer is topped with brownish flowerheads.
How to care for Carex muskingumensis:
Plant out in reliably moist soil, or pot up into a pond basket and place at the margins of a pond in shallow water no deeper than 15cm (6in). A low maintenance plant, remove dead leaves and spent flowers as necessary. Divide congested clumps in early spring every few years.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Aquatic / Reliably damp or boggy
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This pond plant dies right back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin irritant
