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Carex muskingumensis 'Ice Fountains' (Ice Fountains Palm Sedge)
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© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Grasses

Carex muskingumensis 'Ice Fountains'

Ice Fountains Palm Sedge

Cyperaceae
Garden selection; species {Carex muskingumensis} is native to eastern North America — named after the Muskingum River in Ohio

At a Glance

TypeSedge
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Carex muskingumensis 'Ice Fountains' is the variegated form of palm sedge in the Cyperaceae family, growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide. Green leaves with white marginal stripes arranged in palm-like whorls along upright stems — the leaf arrangement radiates from each node like a tiny palm frond, creating a texture unlike any other sedge. The 'Ice Fountains' name describes the cool white-striped variegation and the fountain-like form. The palm-like whorl arrangement is the species signature — C. muskingumensis is the only commonly grown sedge with this leaf architecture. Named after the Muskingum River in Ohio. Spreads by short rhizomes. Moist soil is the natural habitat. Hardy to zone 3. Deciduous. The variegation brightens the palm architecture. All-green reverted stems are pulled to maintain the variegation. Deer avoid sedge foliage.

Native Range

The species Carex muskingumensis is native to eastern North America — named after the Muskingum River in Ohio.

Suggested Uses

Used in shade borders, woodland gardens, and containers of 5 gallons (19 liters). The variegated palm sedge — the most architecturally interesting sedge. The palm-like whorls are a conversation piece.

How to Identify

Identified by white-striped variegated leaves arranged in palm-like whorls along upright stems. The palm-frond-like leaf whorl arrangement — radiating from nodes — sets this species apart from other sedges. The white striping adds to the architectural form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
tan

Foliage Colors

green
white

Fall Foliage Colors

golden yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Summer
Spikelets in June and July. The variegated palm-like foliage architecture is the primary display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Green to tan, in small spikelets

Foliage Description

Green with white marginal stripes, arranged in palm-like whorls along the stem

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial ShadeFull ShadeFull Sun
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade to full sun. Moist soil. Spreads by short rhizomes. All growth is cut to ground in early spring. All-green reverted stems are pulled to maintain variegation. Hardy to zone 3.

Pruning

All growth is cut to ground in early spring. All-green reverted stems are pulled to maintain variegation.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic