This dense, clump-forming perennial is grown for its glossy, widely spreading leaf blades that resemble miniature palm fronds. Unlike most sedges, this species produces tall, upright stems that are lined with long, pointed leaves from top to bottom. It's a superb groundcover that provides many more benefits to wildlife than invasive non-native species. The flower influorescence blooms in May and persists through October, shifting in color from green to yellow to brown. The chunky, coppery-brown seed heads add visual interest and are an important food resource for wildlife. 
 
Palm sedge is easily grown in average, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. It performs best in consistently moist, fertile soils and will even grow in shallow water.  This species does well in some shade, but it tends to flop if it doesn't get at least two hours of sun. The plant gradually spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding. The rhizomes are highly effective for erosion control and are often used a water-management strategy. Leave the yellowed foliage over winter for wildlife habitat, but cut it to the ground in late winter to make room for spring growth. 
 
The genus name comes from Latin and means "cutter" in reference to the sharp leaves and stem edges found on most species' plants. The species is named for the Muskingum River in Ohio.
 
Native habitats include wet and deciduous floodplains, thickets, and wooded lowlands. Use as a groundcover or massed in moist, lightly shaded areas near ponds or streams.  Suitable for naturalizing and rain gardens. With consistent watering, plants may be grown in borders, rock gardens, and containers. Container plants may be placed in shallow water up to 4” deep.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3' tall and wide.
 
Prefers full or part sun (2+ hours). Flops over in too much shade.
 
Prefers moist to wet loamy, silty, clay, or sandy soils. Soil must not be allowed to dry out.
 
Each fertile culm terminates in a narrow inflorescence with 5-12 spikelets. Tiny, flattened achenes are dispersed by wind and water.
 
Rigid, erect culms (stem) up to 20" tall are lined with linear/lance-shaped leaves up to 12" long. Both fertile and infertile culms are produced; the latter tend to be more leafy. 
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 11 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including Appalachian brown butterfly, Duke's skipper, and American ear moth. Seeds are eaten by mallards, wood ducks, and other waterfowl, as well as by song birds. The dense foliage offers cover and habitat for a variety of invertebrates, song birds, and migrating waterfowl. Resistant to deer.
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Sedges have been woven into baskets and used to pad the insoles of moccasins.
 
Resources:
Illinois Wildflowers: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/msk_sedge.htm
 
Johnson's Nursery: https://kb.jniplants.com/muskingum-palm-sedge-carex-muskingumensis
 
Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279806#AllImages
 
North Carolina Extension: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carex-muskingumensis/