Carex muricata, commonly known as Prickly Sedge, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including meadows, grasslands, open woodlands, and along riverbanks in Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters), forming dense clumps. The plant features narrow, spiky leaves and inconspicuous brown flower spikes that appear in late spring to early summer. While the flowers are not particularly showy, they add a subtle texture to the garden. Prickly Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in a range of conditions and its use in naturalistic plantings and as a ground cover in moist areas.

Prickly Sedge is often utilized in rain gardens, wet meadows, and as a stabilizing plant along stream banks due to its tolerance for wet conditions. It prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to low or medium water availability, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. It is important to note that this sedge can be aggressive in its growth, potentially crowding out other plants if not managed. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread via rhizomes and self-seeding.CC BY-SA 4.0